What Josh Windass told Sheffield Wednesday teammates in changing room speech
The Owls head into the summer months awash with speculation and rumour around the futures of many club figures, none more so than manager Danny Röhl. But a number of key players are also the subject of chatter around a move away from S6, with long-time key man Josh Windass a headline figure.
For the latest Owls news straight to your inbox, sign up for The Star’s free Sheffield Wednesday newsletter
The lively forward tugged on what has long been a specialty in his near five-year stint at Wednesday; pulling out a big moment when it matters. In poking home Callum Paterson’s headed assist to put his side 1-0 up at Vicarage Road, he became the club’s top goalscorer this century. Given his contract ends at the end of June, it proved vital timing.
The goal nudged Windass to 53 goals and ahead of striker Marcus Tudgay in the post-Premier League era. Athde Nuhiu is the only other figure to have reached the 50-goal mark. With Barry Bannan the next-highest scorer at the club with a tally of 34 goals – Michael Smith is on 32, with Callum Paterson on 31 – it doesn’t appear especially likely anyone will be joining the Owls’ ‘50 club’ anytime soon.
For the latest Owls news straight to your inbox, sign up for The Star’s free Sheffield Wednesday newsletter
The lively forward tugged on what has long been a specialty in his near five-year stint at Wednesday; pulling out a big moment when it matters. In poking home Callum Paterson’s headed assist to put his side 1-0 up at Vicarage Road, he became the club’s top goalscorer this century. Given his contract ends at the end of June, it proved vital timing.
The goal nudged Windass to 53 goals and ahead of striker Marcus Tudgay in the post-Premier League era. Athde Nuhiu is the only other figure to have reached the 50-goal mark. With Barry Bannan the next-highest scorer at the club with a tally of 34 goals – Michael Smith is on 32, with Callum Paterson on 31 – it doesn’t appear especially likely anyone will be joining the Owls’ ‘50 club’ anytime soon.
Watch every episode of All Wednesday with Joe Crann – interviews, opinion and insight on the Owls every week, on demand on Shots TV here
Windass – who is understood to have an extension clause in the terms of his contract – was seen jumping into the Wednesday dugout in celebration of his goal and was thankful to those around him that had helped him reach the record-breaking tally.
“I went to the gaffer and Henrik,” he smiled. “They were all saying to me that I would get the extra goal today. They said I was going to get it in the first half and then maybe I could come in and chill out at half-time! But I ended up staying on anyway, so it was nice that they were all kind of in on it to try and get me to score today.”
Your next Sheffield Wednesday read: Danny Röhl back in Germany – spells out immediate movements after Sheffield Wednesday season
Josh WIndass reacts to breaking Sheffield Wednesday record as Owls exit looms
Sheffield Wednesday forward Josh Windass took to social media to share a message with supporters after setting a new club record against Watford on Saturday.
It was a disappointing second half of the season for Wednesday, with their play-off push collapsing amid a host of off-field issues and protests against owner Dejphon Chansiri, as well as speculation over the future of manager Danny Rohl.
However, the Owls ended the season in positive fashion on the pitch with a three-game unbeaten run, and the point they secured in the 1-1 draw with Watford at Vicarage Road on Saturday ensured that they finished in the top half of the Championship table.
| 2024-25 Championship table | ||||
| Team | P | GD | Pts | |
| 9 | West Brom | 46 | 10 | 64 |
| 10 | Middlesbrough | 46 | 8 | 64 |
| 11 | Swansea City | 46 | -5 | 61 |
| 12 | Sheffield Wednesday | 46 | -9 | 58 |
| 13 | Norwich City | 46 | 3 | 57 |
| 14 | Watford | 46 | -8 | 57 |
| 15 | QPR | 46 | -10 | 56 |
| 16 | Portsmouth | 46 | -13 | 54 |
After missing a golden chance to give his side the lead early on, Windass eventually put Wednesday ahead in the 29th minute when he slotted home from close range, but Moussa Sissoko equalised just before the break to earn a share of the spoils for the Hornets.
It was Windass’ 13th goal of what was an incredibly productive season for the 31-year-old, and after netting his 53rd goal since his arrival at Hillsborough five-and-a-half years ago, he became the club’s record goalscorer this century.
Josh Windass reacts after breaking Sheffield Wednesday goal record
Windass was clearly delighted by his record-breaking moment, and he took to social media to react after the game, sending special thanks to his Wednesday team-mates for the role they played in his achievement.
“Top goalscorer for Sheffield Wednesday this century! That goal meant a lot, thanks to my team mates especially who’ve been incredible,” Windass wrote on Instagram.
However, there is a strong possibility that the strike against Watford may have been Windass’ last goal for the Owls amid rumours that he is set to leave the club when his contract expires this summer.
Despite reported interest from the likes of Derby County, Stoke City, Coventry City, Hull City, Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion last summer, Windass signed a new one-year contract to remain at Wednesday for another season.
Windass was believed to have been the subject of a bid from Brazilian side Santos in January, but while he remained loyal to the Owls on that occasion, it seems increasingly likely his time at the club is coming to an end this summer.
Last week, Windass’ father Dean dropped the biggest hint yet that his son could be on the move when he posted on social media that he was going to his final game at Hillsborough against Portsmouth last Saturday.
