Sheffield Wednesday will lose more than just their Championship status if they are relegated in May.
Despite back-to-back defeats against Ipswich Town and Leeds United, the footballing gods helped the Owls out and have left them still only a single point from safety.
Danny Rohl‘s side are surely one of the favourites to avoid the drop despite their league position, and they have eight games to do so.
Sheffield Wednesday fans certainly won’t want to return to League One football after only one season away, while their biggest concern is likely to be the amount of players they face losing if the worst happens.
Rohl has already admitted that he isn’t looking into contract situations until their safety is confirmed, but no doubt many players and fans will have one eye on what could happen in just a couple months time.
Eleven players will see their contracts expire at the end of the season. Barry Bannan looks likely to stay whatever happens, while fans have called for Josh Windass’ release following his injury-stricken campaign.
But one man they won’t want to lose – and could well do – is Di’Shon Bernard.
The defender moved to Hillsborough from Manchester United last summer and has since been a ‘colossus’, starting 28 games in the Championship and quickly becoming a fan favourite.
Sheffield Wednesday only signed Bernard on a one-year deal though, while they have since made it clear they wish to extend his contract.
The 23-year-old has also admitted that he is ‘happy’ playing under Danny Rohl and has had ‘conversations’ with the club, but he is surely one player who won’t be sticking around to play in the third tier.
How important is Di’Shon Bernard?
Given the ages of some of their backline in the likes of Liam Palmer (32), Michael Ihiekwe (31) and Marvin Johnson (33), Bernard is a player who could become a real asset over the years and still has plenty of developing and growing to do.
He could comfortably become one of the Owls’ best and most important players, but that may well depend on the league they are in – and if Danny Rohl is still there.
If the German club leaves for another Championship side then we could well see Bernard follow him – a move that would really rub salt into the wounds.
Bernard is surely the same as the likes of Anthony Musaba, Ian Poveda and Ike Ugbo, who could all move on if they are relegated – while the latter two could potentially sign permanently if their season goes the other way.
There are so many factors that could end in disaster at Sheffield Wednesday if they are relegated, while staying up would give them so much promise for a hugely successful extended period under Rohl.
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