Saturday’s draw between Sheffield Wednesday and Watford marked the end of the season, but amid the many storylines from the match, one moment stood out as particularly symbolic. The Owls head into the off-season clouded in uncertainty, with speculation swirling around the futures of several key figures—most notably manager Danny Röhl. Among the players whose futures are uncertain, Josh Windass has emerged as a central figure. A stalwart for nearly five years, Windass has made a habit of stepping up when it matters most, and once again, he delivered. By scoring from Callum Paterson’s assist to give Wednesday a 1–0 lead at Vicarage Road, Windass not only gave his team the edge but also cemented his place in the club’s modern history by becoming the Owls’ top goalscorer of the 21st century. With his contract set to expire at the end of June, the timing couldn’t have been more poignant.
That goal, Windass’ 53rd for the club, moved him ahead of Marcus Tudgay in Wednesday’s post-Premier League era goal charts. Only Atdhe Nuhiu has also reached the 50-goal milestone in that time. With Barry Bannan next on the list at 34, followed by Michael Smith (32) and Callum Paterson (31), it’s unlikely anyone will be joining Windass in the ’50 club’ any time soon. Speaking after the match, Windass revealed that both he and Bannan addressed the team in the dressing room. Bannan, a long-time teammate and close friend, gave a heartfelt tribute to Windass’ record-breaking moment, even leading the team in a round of applause to mark the occasion.
Windass spoke warmly of Bannan’s support both on and off the pitch, recalling the daily commutes they used to share and the bond they developed over the years. He also reflected on his own role within the squad, acknowledging with some humor that he may not always be the easiest teammate. Yet, he was clearly moved by the efforts of his teammates to help him reach the milestone, noting how many of them were urging him on to score that one crucial goal.
Celebrating his strike, Windass leapt into the Wednesday dugout, embracing the coaching staff in the moment. He singled out the gaffer and assistant Henrik for special thanks, sharing that they had predicted he’d get the goal—and even joking that he could relax at halftime if he did. Though he ended up playing the full match, Windass clearly appreciated the collective effort and encouragement that helped him achieve his landmark moment. With an option to extend his contract reportedly in place, the future may yet hold more chapters for Windass at Hillsborough.
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