The Owls face one of their biggest matches of the season on Sunday lunchtime, as local rivals Sheffield United make the short trip across town for the Steel City derby.
It is a massive game for both sides, with Rohl’s Wednesday team still pushing to finish in the Championship playoff places this year, currently sitting five points adrift of sixth-place Coventry City. Dropped points on Sunday would, therefore, be a big setback.
For the Blades, it is a huge test, as they look to seal automatic promotion back to the Premier League, with Chris Wilder’s side in second place currently, but only two points ahead of Burnley, highlighting the importance of the weekend clash.
Even when the stakes aren’t as high for both sides, this is a big derby match, but this weekend’s showdown feels like one of the most significant in years. Ahead of the game, some positive Wednesday-related news has emerged regarding the future of one player.
“Outstanding” Sheffield Wednesday ace open to new deal
According to reliable journalist Joe Crann for The Star, Sheffield Wednesday forward Callum Paterson is “very open” to signing a contract extension at Hillsborough, “if the opportunity arises”.
The 30-year-old is out of contract with the Owls at the end of this season, so the club have a big decision to make, in terms of either offering him a new deal or allowing him to leave on a free transfer.
Paterson has almost become something of a cult hero for Wednesday, with his team ethic so strong and his ability to pop up with important goals always catching the eye.
The Scot has now scored 30 goals for the Owls, as well as registering 14 assists – he has netted five times in six Championship starts this season – and Jobi McAnuff has described him as both “outstanding” and “fantastic” in the past.
Paterson signing a new deal at Wednesday should be a no-brainer for the club, with the attacker outlining his worth this season, producing at key moments and putting his experience to good use. He may not be the most aesthetically-pleasing footballer around, but he is a player who gets every ounce out of his ability, always working hard, showing intelligence and popping up in the final third.
At 30, the 17-cap Scotland international is also still far from past his best, so offering him an extension for a couple of years makes sense, allowing him to continue being a handy squad player for Rohl.
Wednesday’s manager surely appreciates his worth as a player, even if he doesn’t always start, so to see him depart in the summer would be disappointing.
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