Where Are They Now? Sheffield Wednesday’s 2016-17 Play-Off Campaign and the Players Who Came So Close

Sheffield Wednesday’s 2016-17 season remains one of the club’s most poignant near-misses. Under Carlos Carvalhal, the Owls had a remarkable campaign, finishing 6th in the Championship and reaching the play-off final at Wembley. However, their hopes of securing Premier League football were dashed by a 1-0 defeat to Huddersfield Town. As Wednesday fans reflect on that painful day, it’s worth revisiting the key players from that season and where they are now.

1. **Kieran Lee (Midfielder)**

One of the standout players of the 2016-17 campaign, Kieran Lee’s influence in the middle of the park was crucial to Wednesday’s success. Lee, known for his work rate, intelligence, and ability to break up opposition attacks, was pivotal in the Owls’ midfield. Unfortunately, injuries have plagued Lee’s career since that season, with a persistent hip problem eventually forcing him into an early retirement from professional football in 2022.

Though he couldn’t make the step up to the Premier League, Lee is fondly remembered by the Sheffield Wednesday faithful and remains a popular figure in the club’s history.

2. **Barry Bannan (Midfielder)**

Barry Bannan, one of the most technically gifted players in the Championship at the time, was instrumental in orchestrating the Owls’ midfield. His range of passing and vision made him a standout performer during the 2016-17 season. Since then, Bannan has continued to be a key figure at Hillsborough. Despite not making the jump to the Premier League, Bannan has remained one of the club’s most influential players.

As of the 2023-24 season, Bannan is still at Sheffield Wednesday, captaining the team and continuing to play an essential role in their midfield. His leadership and experience are invaluable to the Owls, even as they battle to regain Championship status.

3. **Fernando Forestieri (Forward)**

The enigmatic Fernando Forestieri was a fan favourite during his time at Sheffield Wednesday. His flair, skill, and ability to score crucial goals made him a key player in the 2016-17 season. Unfortunately, Forestieri’s relationship with the club soured over the years, and after a series of injury setbacks and disciplinary issues, his time at Hillsborough came to an end in 2020.

Since leaving Wednesday, Forestieri has played for several clubs, including stints in Italy with Serie B side **Spezia** and later with **Udinese**. As of the latest updates, Forestieri has continued his career abroad, though he remains a somewhat controversial figure due to his turbulent exit from Sheffield Wednesday.

4. **Tom Lees (Defender)**

Tom Lees was a stalwart at the heart of Sheffield Wednesday’s defence during their 2016-17 play-off run. His consistency, leadership, and ability in the air made him a key component in a strong defensive unit. After leaving Hillsborough in 2021, Lees joined **Huddersfield Town** on a free transfer.

At Huddersfield, Lees helped the team secure Championship stability, and while he has since moved on from his time with the Terriers, he remains an experienced defender in the second tier of English football.

5. **Steven Fletcher (Forward)**

Steven Fletcher played a critical role in Sheffield Wednesday’s attack during the 2016-17 season, contributing goals and holding up play. The Scottish striker’s physicality and aerial presence were important in the Owls’ push for promotion.

After his time at Wednesday, Fletcher moved on to **Stoke City** in 2020 and, later, **Sunderland** in League One. His time in the latter stages of his career has been spent in the lower leagues, but he continues to add depth and experience to his teams.

6. **Ross Wallace (Midfielder)**

Ross Wallace, known for his work rate and left-footed deliveries, was an important part of the squad during that memorable campaign. Wallace moved on from Sheffield Wednesday in 2017, and his subsequent career saw him play for **Fleetwood Town** before announcing his retirement from professional football in 2019.

7. **Keiren Westwood (Goalkeeper)**

Keiren Westwood, a reliable figure between the posts, was a key part of the Owls’ defense during their 2016-17 push for the Premier League. His reflexes and consistency were crucial during the play-offs, even though the final proved a heartbreaking experience for him.

After his time at Sheffield Wednesday, Westwood had brief spells with **Huddersfield Town** and **Sunderland** but ultimately retired from professional football in 2022. Westwood’s time at Hillsborough cemented his status as one of the club’s most consistent performers in recent memory.

8. **Adam Reach (Winger)**

Adam Reach was another player who impressed during the 2016-17 season, providing width, pace, and creativity down the left flank. His ability to score long-range goals and provide assists made him a key part of the Owls’ attack.

Since leaving Sheffield Wednesday in 2021, Reach has enjoyed stints with **Preston North End** and later with **Middlesbrough**, where he continues to ply his trade in the Championship.

Conclusion

The 2016-17 season will always be remembered by Sheffield Wednesday fans as a campaign of “what could have been.” Despite the heartache of losing in the play-off final, many of the players from that squad have continued their careers with varying degrees of success. While some have moved abroad or into lower leagues, others remain close to the club or have continued to impact English football at different levels. Their collective journey underscores the fine margins of football, where a single match can change careers, but the memories of that remarkable season at Hillsborough live on in the hearts of the Owls faithful.