Darren Moore’s standpoint on Sheffield Wednesday’s many expiring contracts
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The Owls have a large portion of their squad who will see their current deals come to an end in July, with the likes of Tom Lees, Adam Reach, Keiren Westwood, Sam Hutchinson, Kadeem Harris and Jordan Rhodes all going out of contract in the coming months.
As things stand five members of the side that started the 2-1 defeat against Rotherham won’t be at the club come the 2021/22 campaign, while more than half of the bench find themselves in the same position.
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Hide AdWednesday’s new manager, however, insists that no decisions have been made regarding contracts, insisting that it’s in the hands of his players to make those decisions for him.
When The Star asked if he’d be giving recommendations on who should and shouldn’t stay at the club next season, Moore explained, “It’s too early… I’ve said right from the start that what’s gone on before has gone on before, and that this is a clean slate now. What’s going to happen now is that the players will get a good working environment in the next few weeks, and it’ll give me a good insight on the players to see where they’re at. And I’ll go from there.
“It’s in the players’ hands, in terms of their training, in terms of their performances, but I’m really looking forward to working with them closely and seeing how they adapt and adjust. All these kind of things will manifest themselves in the weeks ahead.
“My message is clear, the slate is wiped clean, and that it’s all in their hands. It’s too early to signal yet or give information. The players will dictate that. I’m just looking forward to being on the grass with the players.”
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Hide AdBut what about those that have reportedly been offered contracts? Does anything change with regards to the situation of Lees or Reach?
“It would be unfair to say,” Moore replied. “I like to go with the facts, and I can’t give you anything now. I like to be straight talking, and I’ve only just come in.
“There’s a new dynamic coming in in terms of how I work, and I feel like I’ve got a good group of players and I need to find their strengths - both as a whole and as individuals - and fit them into a system that they’re comfortable in.”
Others such as Matt Penney, Osaze Urhoghide, Joey Pelupessy, Elias Kachunga, Moses Odubajo and Joost van Aken are in the same situation regarding the expiration of their deals come July, while Liam Shaw’s currently set to join Celtic and Izzy Brown and Jack Marriott will see their loan moves from Chelsea and Derby County come to an end.
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Hide AdWednesday face Reading tomorrow night as they go into one of 13 cup finals in an attempt to retain their Championship status, and it’ll be another chance for players to put their hands up and earn the right to stick around.