Sheffield striker eyes permanent move to rivals

Having already contributed 3 decisive goals, Championship strugglers Sheffield Wednesday were probably already ruing their decision to allow striker Chris O’Grady join local rivals Barnsley in a loan deal. If reports from Team Talk are to be believed, they may well have lost their 27-year-old target man for good. 

O’Grady’s raw power has been harnessed effectively by Barnsley manager Gary Flitcroft, in rotation with fellow forwards Jason Scotland, Chris Dagnall and Marlon Harewood. The former Leicester man has certainly enjoyed his time at Oakwell, stating that ‘the players couldn’t be any more accommodating and the manager is just perfect for me.’ 

When questioned on the matter by BBC Radio Sheffield, Owls manager Dave Jones rightly pointed out that at times players have to be sacrificed in order to free up wages for ensuing arrivals. Presumably Jones was referring to the loan signings of Leroy Lita and Connor Wickham, each of whom joined either side of O’Grady’s departure. 

Lita has netted three goals for Wednesday, including winners against Charlton and Palace, with Wickham (now recalled by Sunderland) scoring the only goal in a vital win at Leicester. However, with the S6 side unable to pull away from the relegation zone, and currently directly below Barnsley, Jones’ private thoughts must contain at least a lingering sense of self doubt. 

Michael Dobson

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