For a second successive year Sheffield Wednesday fell agonisingly short in their quest for Premier League football for the first time since 2000, but Carlos Carvalhal once again showed the quality of manager he is during the 2016/17 Sky Bet Championship campaign.

12-months ago the Owls were beaten 1-0 by Hull City at Wembley in the play-off final, and just weeks ago a penalty shootout defeat to Huddersfield Town, cost Carvalhal’s another appearance in the final.

Despite the disappointment of the last two years, there has still been plenty to be positive about at Hillsborough, with some individuals standing out under the lead of Carvalhal.

Fernando Forestieri is a player who creates headlines in South Yorkshire, whilst the partnership of Glenn Loovens and Tom Lees has blossomed over the last two Championship seasons.

One player whose performances have gone from strength to strength in the last 24 months, is Barry Bannan, with the Scottish international a regular under Carvalhal since his arrival in 2015.

Bannan has featured on 87 occasions for the Owls, playing a major role in Wednesday recording back-to-back top-six campaigns and become one of the most feared teams in the Championship.

Recent speculation has linked Bannan with a move to the Premier League, but the 27-year old should stay at Hillsborough, where he has the opportunity to become a club legend at Wednesday.

Wednesday are one of the biggest clubs outside the Premier League, and compared to many clubs that are currently in the top-flight, the Owls are bigger.

Bannan might be able to guarantee top-flight football away from Hillsborough, but if he opts to stay with Wednesday, and help Carvalhal in his quest for Premier League football, he has the potential to be a club legend.

The Owls are close to taking the next step, and Bannan should remain at Hillsborough to help the club back to the top-flight for the first time since 2000.