Sheffield Wednesday’s vice-captain Liam Palmer has insisted his focus for the rest of the season will be on getting the Owls promoted, despite his contract expiring at the end of the season.
The 31-year-old will be a free agent once this season is all done, having been a long-time servant for Wednesday since he was a seven-year-old boy.
Raising through the ranks from the youth squads to the first team, the versatile right-back has played over 340 games in Wednesdays’ colours, going through the good and bad times at the club.
One of the several players who are waiting to decide on their future after the season, the Owls are amid a promotion race right now as they lead League One.
With a recent run of form which has seen them dragged back into the battle with Plymouth, Ipswich and Barnsley, the end of the season is hotting up with just five points separating the top-four teams.
Head coach Darren Moore has dismissed the thought of distraction among players who are coming to the end of their deal, echoing that all situations will be naturally sorted as the season comes to a close.
Palmer had been crucial for his team this season, being a leader and a consistent contributor down the right-hand side of the pitch. Making 37 appearances in the league, the defender has picked up four goals in the process and also helped with two assists.
However, with his contract running up in just a few months, Palmer is keen on carrying on his footballing journey with his boyhood club.
Speaking on how he balances his and the club’s priorities with The Star, Palmer said: “It goes without saying that I want to stay here and keep doing well for the club as long as is physically possible and for as long as the manager wants me here.
“It’s been my whole life. And whenever the time does come to call it a day this is the place, ideally, I’d want to do it. I’m hoping it’s still a long way off yet.
“All the focus is on the games and I think playing a good number of games always stands you in good stead when negotiations come to the table. I’ll just keep working and hopefully conversations (around contracts) are a lot easier when things are going well.”
Writer’s View
For a player, this is the right thing to say to the public and with Palmer’s lifelong ties to the club, you can probably believe it as well.
The focus right now for the whole squad needs to be cementing promotion to the Championship, as performing and achieving that will help them earn a new contract, whether that is with the Owls or somewhere else.
As for Palmer, it very much seems he wants to play his entire career for Wednesday, and I would be surprised if he wasn’t with them next season.
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