Sheffield Wednesday will enter the League One season with optimism after Arise Capital Partners completed their ownership of the club.

The Owls have been through a lot over the years, and there were legitimate concerns about the club’s future at one point before the US group stepped in.

With no points deduction in place, the goal for Wednesday will be to earn promotion, which will be extremely difficult given the state of the squad that Henrik Pedersen has been working with.

So, a hectic summer looms, and Barry Bannan has been connected with a return to Hillsborough.

Barry Bannan comments on Sheffield Wednesday’s playoff success.

The midfielder is a legend at Wednesday because of his dedication to the club before leaving for Millwall in January, after more than a decade in Yorkshire that included many highs and lows.

However, his stint at The Den has not gone as planned, and it has been reported that the former skipper may return this summer.

It remains to be seen whether that happens, but Wednesday certainly holds a special place in Bannan’s heart, as he used his Instagram account to recollect on their play-off final victory over Barnsley three years ago today.

In response to an image showing a crowded Wednesday end at the national stadium, Bannan lauded the fans, writing, “No empty seats when the Owls make Wembley, what a day.”

The Tykes were defeated by a Josh Windass goal deep into extra time, following Sheffield Wednesday’s remarkable comeback from a four-goal deficit to defeat Peterborough over two legs in the semi-final.

Sheffield Wednesday must do everything they can to lure Barry Bannan back to the club.

For starters, it’s encouraging for Owls fans to watch Bannan reflect on what was a tremendous day for the club, and they’ll be hoping to replicate the feat of winning promotion from League One next season.

Of course, given all Bannan has been through with Wednesday over the years, he was bound to keep an eye on things at the club after leaving.

Now that the takeover has been completed, there is a different atmosphere at Hillsborough, and, more importantly, they have room to bring new players in, so it’s no surprise that Bannan is a target.

He did have an impact for Millwall during the run-in, but Bannan isn’t in Alex Neil’s best XI, and at 36, it’s difficult to see that altering next season.

So, if Wednesday can strike a deal, it would make perfect sense for all sides to bring Bannan back to the club, as he would undoubtedly be willing to return to a club where he is adored and will be a vital role week in and week out.

The Scotsman would remain a quality operator in the third division, and his experience and knowledge will be invaluable to a new-look Wednesday club when the season begins in August.