With Sheffield Wednesday closing out the 2018/19 Championship campaign with a defeat to Queens Park Rangers last Sunday, that won’t really damage the renewed optimism and hope that has grown in the fanbase following the arrival of manager Steve Bruce and our largely incredible run of form in the final months of the season.
With everyone knowing it’s a big summer for the club in terms of playing staff changes with so many players out of contract, everyone has their own list of who we would like to stay and those that should definitely depart, but with the curtain now drawn on the year, we’re already getting some decisions filter through.
On Monday, striker Gary Hooper confirmed that his three and a half year permanent spell at the club had now come to an end, as he wasn’t going to be offered a new deal.
After 3 1/2 years my time @swfc has come to an end. I have really enjoyed my time here and would like to thank the fans for their amazing support and to the club for looking after me so well. I’m now looking forward to the next chapter in my career.
— Gary Hooper (@HOOP588) May 6, 2019
The 31-year-old arrived at the club for a reported £3million and with injuries hitting him hard in recent times, he departs having scored 25 goals in 64 starting appearances and 12 substitute showings. Factoring in his initial loan deal, he added a further six goals in seven starts and six substitute showings.
Like a number of players at the club, the overriding thought will be ‘what if’ had he had better luck on an injury front.