Sheffield Wednesday fans say a truly ‘important’ player deserves more ‘respect’

After what had been a near-disastrous campaign in League One, followed by a disastrous start to their return to the Championship, the players turned around and put in some spectacular performances to ensure survival.

Marvin Johnson and Pol Valentin really proved their worth, while the likes of James Beadle and Ike Ugbo came in late and made a real impact.

It was a season that sought to end a difficult era at Hillsborough, with Rohl’s new contract starting a new one.

There are only a few players who played a key role in the previous era, one of which is Liam Palmer.

The defender has been with his boyhood club since joining the academy in 1999 and has been a regular in the squad for over a decade.

Palmer’s form hasn’t dipped when the pressure has hit this year either, playing a key role and scoring vital goals against Stoke City and Sunderland.

The 32-year-old has begun to put pen to paper on a new contract, despite much uncertainty surrounding his future before survival is guaranteed.

Journalist Rob Staton has now praised Palmer and claimed he deserves “a bit of respect for his name”.

Liam Palmer has become “so important” to Sheffield Wednesday

Speaking to Football Heaven, Staton said: “He’s become so important to Sheffield Wednesday in recent years.

“Last season was a strange season for him because the year before he was unbelievably off, basically from the first week to the end, winning every player of the year, everything like that and then he got injured.

“Then he took a while to get going and then he struggled to get back into the team and by the end of the season you thought he had to play. It doesn’t matter if it’s center half, midfield, whatever.

“He’s so reliable, works his back and has more quality than they’ll ever give him credit for…versatile. It’s just a good egg, in addition to all the ones in the field. It is so important and needs some respect for its name.

“I think a lot of people respect him, but he’s more than someone who’s been at Wednesday for a long time. He’s turned into a really important player and I think that says a lot.”

Liam Palmer’s versatility is his greatest strength

Liam Palmer racked up over 400 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday, but it wasn’t just his ability that made him so important.

The veteran has made half of his appearances at right-back, which is believed to be his natural position.

However, Transfermarkt claim he has made over 60 appearances at both centre-back and right-midfield, as well as 42 at defensive midfield, 29 at left-back, 21 at central midfield and four at left-midfield.

Palmer’s versatility has been vital for the Owls over the years and shows how dedicated and committed he is to the club’s success.

With Wednesday’s squad currently pretty depleted, it makes so much sense to keep him and there’s no doubt he could stay at the club beyond the 2024/25 season if he can help with further injuries and suspensions.