I watched the 83-85 team and the 91-94 team week-in, week-out, and I can honestly say that the player whose absence most affects the team is Bannan.
We had greater players of course, some regular internationals, but none came close to being as key as Baz, whereby the entire style of play changed for the worse in their absence.
Having seen our superstars over 40 years, I have no doubt whatsoever that Bannan could have played regularly at mid-table Prem level. He’d have been an ever-present, keeping a team moving in CM. Anyone who has played football understands how your own game is made easier and better when you are surrounded by higher quality team-mates.
If I was manager (…we’d get zero points) I’d stop Baz making those 60 yard sprints we’ve known and loved for a decade. He is SO vital, he needs to tweak his game, to be the game controller, a role he does so superbly.
If I was the new owner (…we wouldn’t have a pot to pee in), one of my first announcements would be that Barry Bannan will stay with Sheffield Wednesday, playing as long as he can, and be given any role he wants (bar head coach) upon hanging-up his size five boots.
Love the fella, love watching him, love listening to him talk about the game.