Reece James has expressed his hope to stay at Sheffield Wednesday after their dramatic playoff final victory against Barnsley on Monday, in a report by Joe Crann from the Sheffield Star.
Reece James spent the season on loan with the Owls, in a successful promotion campaign where he played a vital part. The former Doncaster man scored an important goal, in the record-breaking playoff victory against Peterborough United.
The 29-year-old played 25 times last season and soon became an integral part of Darren Moore’s side. Sheffield Wednesday finished the campaign with 96 points, which would usually guarantee you an automatic promotion. However, this season it was only enough for the playoffs where The Owls would go on to create history. After losing the first leg 4-0, Sheffield Wednesday achieved something that’s never been done before and turned the tie around in a dramatic penalty shoot-out win.
Who is Reece James?
The defender started his career at Manchester United in 2013 after spells at Blackburn and Preston at youth level. But, after failing to break into the first team, James spent time at Rotherham United, Huddersfield Town and Carlisle United where he made a total of 14 loan appearances.
In 2015, the left-back joined Wigan Athletic where he played consistently for the first half of the season before sustaining an injury which kept him out for the rest of the season and the following campaign. James’ stop-start career to date saw him play 57 times for The Latics, and an injury-hit time in Lancashire saw him released in the 2017-2018 season. After moving to Sunderland the following season, where the Englishman played a total of 34 games, Reece James moved to Doncaster in 2019 where he first teamed up with Darren Moore. The versatile defender filled in several roles at The Keepmoat Stadium, leading to James playing 70 games and scoring 9 goals at Doncaster Rovers and becoming a key player for the club. He would then move to Blackpool Football Club who were playing their football in The Championship after promotion via the League One playoffs.
James played 17 times for The Tangerines in his first season, failing to hold down a place in the first team under Neil Critchley. The defender was then sent out on loan to Sheffield Wednesday the following season to gain more game time at Hillsborough and to reunite with ex Donny boss Darren Moore.
What’s been said
Speaking to The Star James said: “Obviously I’ve got to see what happens and hopefully something can get done, but I’ve enjoyed my time here. It’s been incredible, far more than what I expected was going to happen.
“I fell in love with the club, the city, everything about it – but I’ll have to see what happens, what plays out over the summer. I’ll be patient. I’ve absolutely loved my time here, and we’re all Wednesday aren’t we?”
Writers View
I thought Reece James was an impressive signing when he initially joined Blackpool. He had two good seasons at Doncaster Rovers and seemed to be a player who added versatility, drive and goals from different positions. Unfortunately, he didn’t nail down a place in the side, having the odd decent game. But in my opinion, James lacked the quality and strength to play in The Championship at the time.
The defender’s time at Darren Moore’s side has done him wonders and he looks like a more confident player who has played a big part in an amazing season for Sheffield Wednesday. As a Blackpool fan I’d like to see how he would do if he was to return, however, I’d understand if Darren Moore wanted him back to be a squad player. Moore clearly gets a tune out of the defender after now managing him in two different spells.
James is a player with clear quality and when full of confidence can have an impact in a good quality side. He has shown he can play in different positions such as left wing-back and central midfield when needed, and his can-do attitude is a manager’s dream as he has a positive approach to the game. If the defender was to move on, I hope it’s for a spell with Sheffield Wednesday.
Would you like to see Reece James back at Hillsborough next season? Let us know below!
