Lee Gregory’s custom made protective face mask has been found after the clubs official Twitter asked fans for any information regarding its whereabouts.
Gregory has been playing with a protective face mask having suffered a facial injury in training which led him to miss The Owls 1-0 victory over Derby on the final day of the season. He returned in the first leg of the semi-final against Peterborough as a substitute, fitted with the mask before then being put in the starting line up in the second leg. Gregory scored the second of Wednesday’s goals in the second leg, giving them the momentum they needed which would see them eventually overturn a four goal deficit before winning on penalties.
Gregory’s face mask went missing amongst the celebration and pitch invasion following Wednesday’s win over Peterborough on penalties on Thursday. The club took to Twitter to try and gather any information on its whereabouts in the aim of getting it back for the final. Fortunately one Twitter user’s dad had picked it up after the game and it has now been returned to the club. Wednesday awarded the fan with a signed shirt from Lee Gregory , a nice touch as had it not have been found, the striker may have missed the final.
What if it wasn’t returned?
Given that the mask was custom-made and moulded to fit Gregory’s face, the club could’ve been in real bother had it not been returned. As explained on their Twitter, a replacement could not be sourced before the final, most likely meaning that the Yorkshireman may have missed the game altogether. He will no doubt play a big part in the final but it is not known yet how Darren Moore will set his side up for it. Having Gregory fully fit is a huge positive, offering another attacking outlet for Moore to pick from in which was the third best attack in the league this season. He’ll be up against a strong Barnsley defensive cohort who allowed just three shots on target across their two legs against Bolton.
What’s next for Gregory?
The 34-year-old has been an integral part of a Wednesday side who were extremely unlucky to not achieve automatic promotion after gaining a record 96 points. Gregory supplied 10 goals and 4 assists in 38 League One matches this season and is showing very few signs of slowing down. It is yet to be seen what Gregory’s future with the club holds, having originally joined at the start if the 2021/22 season. With plenty of Championship experience to his name, The Owls may choose to extend his contract given he is out of contract at the end of this season if they are to beat Barnsley in the final. If Wednesday don’t choose to extend the number nine’s contract then there will be a host of League One clubs who will be looking for at the very least a quality back up if not starting striker.
Writer’s View
It is a huge plus for Sheffield Wednesday that the mask has been found and having Gregory for the final greatly benefits their chances of gaining promotion. For many they’re favourites to beat Barnsley at Wembley and the character that they showed to overcome Peterborough will no doubt give them bundles of confidence going into the final. It was a great touch from the club to reward the fan who found the mask as had it not been returned, they’d have had a real problem on their hands with what to do regarding Gregory’s injury.
