Sheffield Wednesday Told To Halt Activity On 33-Year-Old’s Future

Sheffield Wednesday’s play-off hopes took a heartbreaking hit on Saturday afternoon as Coventry City capitalised on a late James Beadle mistake to take all three points at Hillsborough.

Ellis Simms’ 92nd minute winner handed the Sky Blues victory in South Yorkshire after he had opened the scoring in the opening stages of the game. Joel Latibeaudiere’s own goal gave the Owls an equaliser, but they were not able to hold on for a well-earned point.

Nevertheless, the top six is still within touching distance for Danny Rohl’s side, with West Bromwich Albion just three points ahead of them and the form of those around them extremely mixed.

However, plans for the summer will already be in place with Sheffield Wednesday lacking defensively, and new stars are needed to help them at the back. There is also a debate to be had over those with expiring contracts, including Liam Palmer.

Verdict made on Liam Palmer’s Sheffield Wednesday future

The 33-year-old has become more and more of an after-thought as the campaign has progressed, and he has made just two appearances in the Championship since the start of 2025.

With just seven starts to his name this season, it is clear where Rohl sees his future and it would be extraordinary to see him awarded a new contract in the next few months.

Football League World has asked their Sheffield Wednesday Fan Pundit, Patrick McKenna, if the full-back should be offered an extension on his current deal before the campaign comes to an end.

“I wish I could give a different answer to this, but I think the cold hard answer to this is that he would not be worth another deal,” he started.

“Liam Palmer has been a fantastic servant to the club. He is our longest serving player and he has played in many positions. He always gives 100% and, of course, he will forever be remembered for that goal against Peterborough, but this season he really isn’t getting a lot of game time at right back.

“We’ve got Yan Valery and Pol Valentin ahead of him. He really is the last option to cover in midfield or even the centre of defence. So, even with injuries in the squad, he’s finding his game time very limited.”

Patrick continued: “I’d like to see him get regular football somewhere and I don’t think that is going to be at Hillsborough. So, in the summer, I think it’d probably be best to part ways and then we’d have to look to bring in someone better than him.

“I wish it was a different answer, but sometimes you have to look at these questions a bit more ruthlessness and honesty. I do think that he probably will move on in the summer, but it will be with the best wishes of all the supporters and everybody at the club.”

Sheffield Wednesday’s defensive record is having an impact on their play-off chances

Derby County were reportedly interested in Palmer late on in the January transfer window, but a deal was never agreed and he remains a Sheffield Wednesday player.

However, it is useful to keep hold of a player with his experience for now and he does provide cover if injuries do happen.

But, the Owls have to improve defensively in the final months of the season if they are to finish in the top six, as that is where they are currently lacking. Only four teams have conceded more goals than them in the Championship and Rohl has to address this.

A permanent fix needs to be sought and this seems more likely to happen in the summer, and letting go of a player like Palmer to help facilitate that is necessary.