Bethany Patrick is a football writer based in Manchester, UK.  

Her work focuses on the EFL, with particular interest in football governance, supporter culture, and fan experience and access.
 

Bethany is a director of the award-winning Sheffield Wednesday Women’s Supporters Group, where she works on fan engagement, strategy and campaigns for greater inclusion across the game.

She regularly represents supporters in governance spaces across Europe, including government panels and discussions around football regulation and the supporter's voice.
 

She has previously worked as a researcher for The Stretford Paddock and is a regular contributor to The Wednesday Week.

Dave Challinor has a big decision to make over Barry Bannan's role at Sheffield Wednesday, with growing numbers of supporters questioning whether the midfielder should remain an automatic starter.

Bannan returned to Hillsborough from Millwall in the summer as one of 18 new additions, with the experienced midfielder expected to play a major role in Wednesday's bid to secure a return to the Championship.

However, the 36-year-old has struggled to consistently reach the standards supporters have come to expect, and Sunday's 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Oldham Athletic has intensified the debate around his place in the starting XI.

For new manager Challinor, it is an early selection dilemma that could prove significant in shaping his Wednesday side.

Dave Challinor must make a big Barry Bannan decision at Sheffield Wednesday

Challinor has already made clear that he sees Bannan as an important part of his plans at Hillsborough.

Speaking before the Oldham tie, the Owls boss identified central midfield as the Scot's best position, explaining that he wants him to control matches, dictate play and use his passing range to bring attacking players into the game.

He even compared Bannan to Oliver Norwood, who enjoyed considerable success under Challinor at Stockport County despite being in the latter stages of his playing career.

There is little doubt that Bannan still possesses qualities that are valuable to this Wednesday squad, particularly given his experience and understanding of what it takes to get out of League One.

However, there is a difference between being an important member of the squad and being guaranteed a place in the starting XI.

Wednesday's performance at Oldham exposed several problems, and Bannan was among those who struggled to impose themselves on the contest.

With Challinor demanding greater physical intensity and consistency, the midfielder may need to adapt his role as the season progresses.

Sheffield Wednesday fans are questioning Barry Bannan's recent performances

The reaction from Wednesday supporters suggests frustration with Bannan goes beyond Sunday's defeat, with questions being raised about his declining influence and whether he still warrants an automatic starting place.

One questioned why the midfielder no longer seems capable of taking games by the scruff of the neck, pointing to a perceived drop-off in his longer passing and creative output.

Others have been more direct, believing Bannan should have to earn his place back in the side, while fans have also questioned whether he can still cope with the physical demands of playing regularly.

Some were even more critical, suggesting Bannan's return to Hillsborough had been a mistake.

There is a clear theme emerging: supporters are not necessarily questioning Bannan's importance to the club, but believe his performances this season have not justified the preferential treatment his status might afford him.

Barry Bannan still has a future at Sheffield Wednesday under Dave Challinor

It would be premature to write Bannan off entirely, particularly given the circumstances surrounding Wednesday's season and the number of changes made to the squad.

At 36, he is approaching the twilight of his playing career, but his experience could prove invaluable in helping Challinor establish the standards and culture he wants at Hillsborough.

Should Challinor drop Bannan for Saturday's game against Plymouth Argyle? Comment your opinion below!

Michael Storch has already spoken positively about the possibility of Bannan remaining at Wednesday beyond his playing days, potentially moving into coaching or another role at the club.

For now, though, the priority is getting the best out of him on the pitch.

Challinor has inherited a struggling side and cannot afford to select players based on reputation alone.

Bannan has earned enormous respect through his contribution to Wednesday, but that cannot exempt him from the same standards as everybody else.