Update on Ogrady from the star

Sheffield Wednesday: O’Grady happy to stay

Chris O'Grady has a year left on his Hillsborough contract
Published on the
08 June
2013
06:00
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Chris O’Grady is happy to stay at Sheffield Wednesday - if he is wanted, writes Neil Goulding.

The Owls hitman has a year left to run on his three-year deal at Hillsborough.

But Championship rivals Barnsley have already had a bid turned down for the player – and are understood to be poised to close in on their target.

It is believed that the Reds gave a verbal assurance to the Owls about making an improved offer for a player who cost their South Yorkshire rivals £350,000 from Rochdale.

However, indications from Hillsborough are that Wednesday have yet to receive a formal second bid for the striker.

O’Grady told The Star: “If I’m wanted at Sheffield Wednesday then that’s great, I’m more than happy to stay if I’m given a chance.

“I just want to play regular football and build on the momentum I got last season playing for Barnsley.

“I want to kick on now and, if my future lies at Sheffield Wednesday then I’ll give 100 per cent, like I do in every game.

“I’m capable of playing in the Championship. I’ve shown what I’m capable of even though I did initially find it a big jump going from League One.

“I was in and out of the team at Sheffield Wednesday last season and things unfortunately stalled, but as far as I know I’m due back in for pre-season training on June 24.

“At the end of the day my allegiance is to whoever wants me. I’m a Sheffield Wednesday player and I’ve got a year left on my contract, so if they want me I’ll happily play and give my all.”

O’Grady impressed on loan at Barnsley last season having been signed in the January transfer window until the end of the campaign.

His six goals and some battling performances up front were a key factor in the Reds avoiding relegation.

“I really enjoyed playing for Barnsley last season, it was great,” O’Grady told The Star.

“They’re a great bunch of lads and they’ve got a great manager [David Flitcroft].

“But I’ve just switched off for the moment to be honest. I’m just enjoying some time off on holiday and then when I come back we’ll have to see what happens.”

A high-ranking source at Oakwell suggested that a potential deal was closer after the transfer fee was verbally discussed.

The Reds are also chasing former Sheffield United striker Jon Stead and Motherwell marksman Michael Higdon.

If the Owls do part with O’Grady then it is expected that the money will help them to sign a new striker.

 

He is just making sure he doesn't burn his bridges in case a deal isn't struck.

 

If we take much longer trying to sign him he'll be over the hill and Flitcroft will only be able to offer him a 12 week contract anyway

 

I'm not so sure they're not already burned with some of the dee dars. I was reading some ***** on a forum last week and they were quoting one of his interviews while still with us when he was less than complimentary about them. Mind all he would need to do is hit the back of the net a few times and all would be forgiven.

 

I get the feeling that we're after either Stead or Higdon regardless of whether or not Cogba signs. We've approached Higdon already if you believe what's been touted about.

 

Natural lazy journalism im afraid. Nothing that we already don't know. O'Grady has to comment like that at the minute as he is still a Washday player but I can still see him in a reds shirt come pre season.

 

In the Watford MOTM presentation he said "Good" when told Owls had conceded a late equaliser!!

He's just being diplomatic there, he's such an unassuming lad.

 

Haven't been on their forum today, but in their policy of "we don't give a **** about COG" I reckon there'll be at least one thread contradicting that policy.

 

Seen it, and stuck my oar in. The lovely person that I am.

 

And ended the thread,brilliant.**** em.