Barry Bannan responds to Millwall after the club’s blunt statement.

Barry Bannan has addressed his departure from Millwall after the Championship club announced his exit with a notably brief statement, bringing an end to a short spell in South London before his emotional return to Sheffield Wednesday.

The experienced Scottish midfielder has completed a move back to Hillsborough after spending just six months with the Lions. While his time at Millwall never developed into the success many had hoped for, Bannan has now returned to the club where he established himself as one of the most influential players in recent history.

Before his move to Millwall, Bannan had enjoyed an outstanding spell with Sheffield Wednesday. Across ten-and-a-half seasons, he amassed 477 appearances in all competitions, scoring 37 goals and providing another 75 assists. Throughout that period, he became one of the club’s most recognisable figures, earning admiration from supporters through his consistency, creativity and commitment.

His departure from Wednesday in January 2026 was not driven by a desire to seek a new challenge. Instead, financial issues surrounding the club meant they were unable to retain one of their most experienced players, forcing Bannan to continue his career elsewhere despite his strong emotional ties to Hillsborough.

Millwall offered him an opportunity to remain in the Championship, handing the veteran midfielder an 18-month contract after securing his signature. However, his stay in South London proved considerably shorter than expected, with both parties now agreeing to end the arrangement early.

The manner of Millwall’s announcement also attracted attention. Rather than publishing an extended farewell or tribute, the club confirmed Bannan’s departure through a short two-line statement on its official website. The concise announcement reflected a spell that never truly developed into a lasting relationship between player and club.

Although Bannan brought significant experience to Alex Neil’s squad, he struggled to establish himself as an automatic starter during his time at The Den. He made 16 league appearances, including involvement during the Championship play-offs, and registered one assist.

Much of his game time came from the substitutes’ bench, with Neil often introducing him during the closing stages of matches to help manage games rather than selecting him in the starting eleven. As a result, Bannan never enjoyed the consistent run of appearances that had defined much of his career at Sheffield Wednesday.

Despite arriving with considerable pedigree, the Scot was unable to make the type of impact many expected. His technical ability and leadership remained evident, but circumstances meant he never became a central figure within Millwall’s midfield.

After officially leaving the club, Bannan took to social media to thank Millwall. His farewell message was just as brief as the club’s own statement, highlighting the reality that his spell in South London had been relatively uneventful and that neither side had built the strong emotional connection often seen following longer or more successful stays.

His departure comes during a busy summer of change at Millwall as Alex Neil reshapes his squad following last season’s narrow failure to secure promotion to the Premier League.

The Lions came agonisingly close to reaching the top flight. They finished just one point behind Ipswich Town in the automatic promotion places before suffering disappointment in the Championship play-offs, where Hull City ended their hopes in the semi-finals.

While the campaign ultimately ended in frustration, there remains optimism around the club heading into the new season. Neil is determined to build on last year’s progress and has already overseen significant activity in the transfer market as Millwall attempt to mount another serious promotion challenge.

Among the club’s notable arrivals is winger Tairyk Arconte, who has joined from French side Rodez in a deal worth around €3 million (£2.6 million). The Lions have also strengthened by signing promising midfielder Jenson Metcalfe from Bradford City.

Belgian midfielder Mathis Servais has arrived from Mechelen for a fee reported to be around £3 million, while experienced midfielder Mark Sykes has completed a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at Bristol City.

Alongside the new arrivals, several players have departed The Den this summer. Billy Mitchell, Danny McNamara, Joe Bryan and Massimo Luongo all left after their contracts expired, with further exits following as Wes Harding, Macaulay Langstaff and Barry Bannan also moved on.

For Bannan, however, the next chapter takes him back to familiar surroundings. His return to Sheffield Wednesday had long appeared a realistic possibility, with many supporters believing that if the opportunity arose, he would seize the chance to wear the blue and white shirt once again.

That prediction has now become reality after the midfielder agreed a one-year contract with the Owls.

Speaking after completing his return to Hillsborough, Bannan made it clear that coming back was an easy decision.

He explained that Sheffield Wednesday means everything to both himself and his family, adding that he never needed time to consider the offer because returning was something he genuinely wanted. He said he was delighted to be back and eager to begin the next stage of his career with the club.

The experienced midfielder also revealed that he had always expected to return to Wednesday in some capacity after leaving, making this reunion particularly special. He spoke positively about the atmosphere surrounding the club, describing a growing sense of optimism and belief as preparations continue for the new campaign.

Bannan acknowledged that everyone understands the demands of the upcoming season, stressing that success will require unity, determination and hard work throughout the squad. He also highlighted how familiar faces within the dressing room, alongside new arrivals settling quickly, have created an encouraging environment ahead of the campaign.

His affection for Sheffield Wednesday has never diminished despite his brief spell elsewhere. Equally, supporters have consistently maintained their admiration for the midfielder, welcoming his return with widespread enthusiasm.

Given everything he previously achieved at Hillsborough, many fans view Bannan as someone capable of providing valuable leadership both on and off the pitch as Wednesday attempt to secure an immediate return to the Championship.

From Millwall’s perspective, however, there is little sense that his departure will significantly weaken the squad.

Although his experience could have continued to benefit the dressing room, his limited role last season suggested he was no longer central to Alex Neil’s plans. There had also been an ongoing feeling that if Sheffield Wednesday ever presented an opportunity to return, Bannan would almost certainly choose to go back.

Because of that, his exit is unlikely to come as a major surprise to those associated with the club.

Attention will instead turn toward strengthening the squad before the transfer window closes. With Billy Mitchell and Bannan both departing, recruiting another deep-lying central midfielder could become a priority as Neil continues reshaping his options.

Millwall remain determined to compete near the top end of the Championship once again. Whether that means securing another play-off place or pushing for automatic promotion, expectations remain high after last season’s encouraging campaign.

Neil continues to build a squad capable of challenging the division’s strongest sides, with the long-term objective remaining clear. The Lions are aiming to end their 36-year absence from England’s top flight, and every decision this summer has been made with that ambition firmly in mind.

As for Barry Bannan, his return to Sheffield Wednesday represents an emotional homecoming rather than simply another transfer. After a short and relatively quiet spell at Millwall, he is back at the club where he built his legacy, hoping to help guide the Owls back to the Championship while writing another memorable chapter in an already remarkable Wednesday career.