D-Day Looms For Owls Players

Owls boss Paul Sturrock will reveal the names of the players set to leave Hillsborough next week as he prepares to rebuild his squad in the summer.

Jon-Paul McGovern, Richie Partridge, Lee Bullen, Drissa Diallo and 'keeper David Lucas are all out of contract in the summer - and the Owls boss will not hesistate in letting players go for the good of the club.

Sturrock told the Yorkshire Post: 'We have to make sure we are not in a transitional period at the beginning of next season. We got caught out last summer by our play-off involvement and we had people turning up after pre-season training to go straight in to the side which did not help the performances. It would be nice to think we will have everyone in place before the start of pre-season training.'

Former Liverpool winger Richie Partridge is likely to be one of the players leaving S6 next week after an unsuccessful spell at Hillsborough. Despite signing an extension to his initial six-month contract at Christmas, the Irishman hasn't featured in Sturrock's plans.

Goalkeeper David Lucas may be another one to miss out on a contract. Lucas has not dissapointed inbetween the sticks for Wednesday since joining from Preston - but his injury problems have restricted him to just three appearances this year, with his current injury ruling him out until Christmas.

McGovern, Diallo, and Bullen are the more likely to earn contract extensions. As well as lifting the play-off trophy at Cardiff last season, Bullen has helped the Owls out by playing in all 11 positions since joining in 2004 and always gives 110%.

McGovern has always been a fans favourite at Hillsborough but has been plagued by an injury this term. He's made steady progress since his return and may be given a chance at this level next season. Drissa Diallo has shown he has the strength and pace at this level but has also suffered from injury problems.

Next week will certainly be an interesting week for all connected with SWFC, and we'll bring you all the latest comings and goings over the pre-season!

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