Sheffield Wednesday told to make “cold, hard decision” and sanction player exit | OneFootball

Sheffield Wednesday have a busy summer ahead, not only with Danny Rohl’s future but also their players with expiring deals

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

With Sheffield Wednesday’s mid-table finish confirmed, they can now look towards the summer, both in terms of contract renewals and new signings.

One of those players nearly out of contract is striker Michael Smith, who signed from Rotherham United on a free transfer in 2022.

He’s been one of the Owls’ key performers this season, but his form has tailed off in the latter part of the season and, at 33 years old, his future at the Yorkshire club is far from certain.

We asked our Wednesday Fan Pundit, Patrick, whether Smith should be offered a new contract or let go.

Time for Sheffield Wednesday and Michael Smith to part on a relative high

Speaking to Football League World, Patrick said: “So, in regards to Michael Smith, thinking about it, it probably would be best to part ways at this stage here.

“It is a bit disappointing, I suppose, we're at the stage where he'll be gone, and we won't get a fee for him.

“But we do need to assess players like Smith, who we got for a League One campaign, and he did well for us in League One and this season, a lot of credit to him, he has stepped up to the plate.

“Where the others have failed, like [Ike] Ugbo, Smith has come in and he has scored goals, he has got assists.

“But yeah, he is getting on now. I know Danny Rohl might be here next season, but I kind of feel that Smith was used, in a way, maybe like as like a second choice, like a second idea.

“In the summer, I would like to think, if we moved Smith on, we could maybe look to bring in someone younger to take on the mantle. But yeah, as I'm saying, I do think we should let him go.

“Certainly, we owe a lot of gratitude to Smith, and he’d part with a lot of good grace from myself and from the fans.

“So yeah, it's kind of like, ‘thank you for the contribution you have made’, but I think the cold, hard decision would be best to let him go.

“But with that there, I think Michael Smith could go on and have a few years left in his career, getting regular football somewhere, and I certainly hope he gets it.”

The Owls must find a long-term alternative

Despite the likely loss of Rohl at the end of season, the Owls must try to build on what has otherwise been a successful season on the pitch.

As Patrick says, there is no doubt Smith has stepped up this season, notching eight goals – the second-most at the club, behind only Josh Windass – and four assists.

That is, clearly, more than a bit-part contribution, but age means that Smith is unlikely to be a long-term option.

Rohl has been on record stating that Charlie McNeill, signed on a free transfer from Manchester United in the summer, is a signing in that mould, but has struggled for minutes this season.

Whether McNeill is the one to fill that gap remains to be seen, but it is a hint of the direction the Owls want to move towards, which may mean creating space by letting the likes of Smith depart to find a new challenge.