The Loan Rangers

After countless loanees utilised down at S6 last season, who has Dave Jones got his eye on to make a return for the next campaign?

Connor Wickham (Sunderland)

Despite being re-called early by then boss Martin O’Neill, Connor Wickham made quite an impression during his short stay with The Owls last season. Although he only managed one goal during his stay at S6, it proved to be crucial, coming in the 1-0 away win at Leicester City. News coming out of Sunderland suggests that the England U21 International is due another loan spell away from The Stadium of Light as former fan’s favourite and current Black Cats boss, Paolo Di Canio, looks to strengthen his attacking options. Do us a favour eh Paolo?

Ross Barkley (Everton)

One of the shining loan stars brought to the club by Dave Jones was the addition of midfielder Ross Barkley from Everton. The youngster would go on to make a further loan move to Yorkshire rivals Leeds United during the course of the season as David Moyes looked to gain some league experience for the 19-year-old. With Roberto Martinez now confirmed as the new gaffer over at Goodison Park, it’s likely that he’ll want to assess the entire squad during pre-season before making any decisions on the immediate futures of Barkely and alike. One thing’s for certain, DJ would jump at the chance of another loan deal.

Steve Howard (Hartlepool United)

‘Big’ Steve Howard was signed up for the final month of the campaign on an emergency loan deal from League Two outfit Hartlepool United. In what was a shock transfer for most Wednesdayites, Howard managed to keep out the likes of Gary Madine in a front two partnership with fellow loanee, Leroy Lita. It was also Howard’s only goal for the Owls which sent them on the way to survival, scoring in the last game of the season in the 2-0 win over Middlesbrough.  Maybe Dave Jones will be tempted to bring back the veteran front man as another attacking option for next season?

Jeremy Helan (Manchester City)

Signed initially as a covering left back for the injured Reda Johnson, Helan was eventually moved further up the field to cement a place on the left wing for The Owls during a successful loan spell from Manchester City. He also managed to bag a goal, scoring in stoppage time to give Wednesday a 2-0 victory over Charlton Athletic at Hillsborough. His versatility, pace and direct approach made him a popular figure at Hillsborough. A sure target for Dave Jones this summer, no doubt.

Stuart Holden (Bolton Wanderers)

USA international Stuart Holden was a regular for Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League, before an injury stricken spell on the sidelines during the last two seasons. Fully recovered, Holden arrived at Hillsborough for some much needed game time, and managed a total of four appearances for The Owls during his short stay in S6. Prising him away from The Reebok Stadium will be a tall order for fan’s favourite Holden, who will be looking to make his way back into the fold under Dougie Freedman.

Danny Pugh (Leeds United)

Dave Jones opted to bring in Danny Pugh from Leeds United as cover for Jeremy Helan. However, on Helan’s return, Pugh was moved to left back to accommodate Helan’s place on the left wing. Pugh’s versatility and experience were both key factors in his arrival at Hillsborough and is known to be a target for Dave Jones this summer. But with several midfielders currently on the rosta, can Wednesday realistically accommodate him? We’ll wait and see.

Leroy Lita (Swansea City)

The much travelled striker Leroy Lita arrived at Hillsborough during the January transfer window on loan from Premier League side, Swansea City. His reputation and expectation as a goalscorer in The Championship was soon fulfilled, scoring on his debut in the 2-1 away victory at Charlton Athletic. A total of 6 goals in 17 appearances, I’m sure most Wednesday fans would welcome Lita back to Hillsborough next season.

Jay Bothroyd (Queens Park Rangers)

After a ‘less than successful’ loan spell with The Owls at the start of last season, Jay Bothroyd returned to QPR to play some part in their unsuccessful Premier League survival bid. Despite just scoring once in 14 appearances, Bothroyd could still prove to be a threat in The Championship, either at QPR or elsewhere. Would Dave Jones really want to bring him back? Who knows.

Seyi Olofinjana (Free Agent)

Olofinjana joined the Owls on a loan deal from Hull City towards the end of the 2012/2013 campaign and impressed with some assured displays in the centre of the park. His experience and strength could be argued as a key factor in securing Wednesday’s status in The Championship. Now that Hull have secured promotion to the Premier League, Olofinjana has been released and is available as a free agent, sparking rumours of a return to Hillsborough on a more permanent basis.

Mamady Sidibe (Free Agent)

Another one of the more ‘forgetful’ loan spells last season was the signing of Stoke City striker, Mamady Sidibe. Like Bothroyd and Wickham, Sidibe only netted once for The Owls during his loan spell, but when he did it brought three points. His powerful diving header gave Wednesday a 1-0 away win in the Boxing Day clash at Bolton. Now a free agent, Sidibe will be looking for a new club. However, I don’t think there are many Wednesdayites who would want him back.

Who do you want to see back at Hillsborough next season?

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