Sheffield Wednesday’s contract issues matter, but one thing matters even more UK News

But, in all honesty, how can you hand out new offers when you don’t know what division you’ll be in next season?

And how can players engage without this knowledge?

I know Barry Bannan did it in the middle of a Championship relegation battle last season and we’ll get to that.

But at the moment the attempt to escape Ligue 1 trumps everything – including the case of the seven seniors whose contracts are ending – and rightly so.

Bravo for the commitment of those who would like to stay. I’m sure that wish will be shared by the fans when it comes to Massimo Luongo, Jack Hunt, Sam Hutchinson and others.

The same goes for some of the seven on loan whose future is also blowing in the wind.

However, any clamor for tying individuals comes from an unrealistic place.

We just don’t know the consequences of the Owls having to spend another season in Ligue 1 and how serious they could be.

Could players, for example, regain full confidence for a club that has struggled to pay salaries in the recent past?

On the other hand, owner Dejphon Chansiri has always managed to deliver on those commitments and his quality and experience for this current team has been commendable, not to say costly.

Chansiri cannot really plan ahead from such a precarious base, although he bears the responsibility.

You suspect a lot hangs on the outcome of this crucial campaign, including perhaps the whole form and ownership of the club.

So the best way for players to get this new deal is to earn a promotion – which then leaves them negotiating from a stronger position.

But it wouldn’t be a bad idea to explain all this to them, if you haven’t already.

Bannan continues to play a huge leading role after he and the club made a commitment to each other in equally uncertain times a year ago.

It was a questionable bet in financial terms but, as well as preventing a highly coveted player from leaving for nothing, it was justified by Bannan’s performance and leadership.

It’s also clear that the teammates don’t feel any pay disparity, which has been crucial for the unit.

If an exception were to be made this time, keeping Luongo would be the priority for me. But that’s no substitute for promotion and I still believe the Owls will finish in the top six.