‘Sheffield Wednesday players set to follow Josh Windass in exit free-for-all’
Sheffield Wednesday are set to suffer more misery after Josh Windass and Michael Smith parted company with the Championship club.
Thanks to owner Dejphon Chansiri’s ongoing failure to pay staff and player wages on time, Owls players are now able to leave Hillsborough on free transfers, subject to a 15-day notice period.
The South Yorkshire side confirmed on Thursday, 17 July, that attacking duo Smith and Windass had taken up that option.
Football Insider exclusively revealed that Windass won his appeal over his Sheffield Wednesday notice period.
Sheffield Wednesday squad tipped to follow Windass and Smith
Smith and Windass are not alone in their Hillsborough exits, as former Owls winger Djeidi Gassama joined Russell Martin’s Rangers.
The departure of attacking midfielder Windass is a particularly painful one for Danny Rohl to take after the 31-year-old scored 13 goals in 44 Championship appearances last season.
Meanwhile, the Sheffield Star’s Joe Crann posted a damning verdict of Sheffield Wednesday’s plight via X on Friday, 18 July: “My concern is that whatever allowed Windass and Smith to leave SWFC for free could well open up the door for others to follow them.
“Paying them when they did obviously didn’t sort things out, so it’s anybody’s guess what happens now. Free for all.”
Smith could be an asset elsewhere in the Championship
Football Insider verdict
Following both of the high-profile exits on Thursday, Sheffield Wednesday supporters were angered by Windass’ departure.
| Michael Smith stats | Championship 2024/25 |
| Appearances (Starts) | 41 (16) |
| Goals | 8 |
| Assists | 4 |
Former Leeds United and Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson exclusively told Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast that Rangers are well placed to sign Windass.
The attacking midfielder was previously a successful player for the Ibrox club, and could now help Martin’s men close the gap on bitter rivals Celtic.
But while the Owls faithful have been left frustrated by Windass’ exit, Smith can also be a real asset for one of the South Yorkshire side’s Championship rivals.
Football Insider previously revealed that Wrexham held an interest in Smith, while the 33-year-old notched eight goals and four assists in the second tier last season, despite being handed just 16 league starts.
The former Rotherham United man’s experience and eye for goal should make him a strong candidate for a Championship suitor, especially for a newly promoted side such as Charlton Athletic or Wrexham.