Sheffield Wednesday players have reacted after Reece James took to social media to say his goodbyes to the club.
Reece James joined Sheffield Wednesday on loan last season and made a total of 34 appearances, with his only goal coming in the dramatic play-off semi-final second leg victory over Peterborough United.
The full-back was then awarded with a permanent contract, but Darren Moore’s exit left him out in the cold.
Xisco Munoz handed him only eight minutes of action, and while Danny Rohl gave him an early chance, he failed to make an appearance since February.
It came as no surprise when James was named as one of six players to be released at the end of their contracts.
James took no time at all to find a new club though and was quickly snapped up by Rotherham United, who have just been relegated to League One.
Following his move, the 30-year-old took to social media to address the Wednesday supporters.
Reece James says goodbye to Sheffield Wednesday
He wrote: “Evening Owls.
“I’d just like to say how grateful I am to each and every one of you for the support that you’ve given me over the last 2 seasons.
“The memories made when clinching promotion at Wembley and that historical comeback against Peterborough will stay with me as highlights of my career.
“To say it’s been two contrasting seasons would be an understatement, but I’ve hugely enjoyed my time at the club and wish the manager, his staff and lads nothing but success.
“Cheers, Jamo.”
James was clearly a popular figure at Middlewood Road despite his absence on the pitch.
A number of his former teammates quickly responded to the Instagram post in support.
Liam Palmer wrote: “Jammmmoooooo. Pleasure brother.”
Josh Windass wrote: “My mate! See you for a coffee soon brother.”
Cameron Dawson wrote: Roomy! One of the best!!!”
The Star journalist Joe Crann wrote: “Been a pleasure, mate. best of luck at Rotherham!”
David Stockdale and Dominic Iorfa also replied with heart emojis.
Reece James’ exit should spark end of an era
Reece James is another star who has said goodbye to the club after enjoying such heroics in last season’s play-off battle.
The defender joins Lee Gregory on their way out, though the rest of the team remains very similar.
In fact, eight of the starting XI that faced Peterborough in the second leg also featured in this month’s win over Sunderland.
While that team have kept Wednesday in the Championship, it is a clear indication how much work needs to be done this summer.
There is no doubt that the Owls would be battling relegation once again if they had a similar squad to the one that played in League One last year.
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