Shades of Wigan Athletic crisis of 2023 as two top stars walk away from Sheffield Wednesday

In remarkably similar fashion to two summers ago, when Jack Whatmough and Jamie McGrath followed Will Keane out of the door at Wigan, Windass and Michael Smith have now become free agents.

A club statement said the decision was 'by mutual consent', but the loss of two key players on the eve of the new EFL Season is another in a series of hammer blows for the South Yorkshire club and its supporters.

Windass was quick to issue a statement saying he would be a Wednesday 'fan for life' regardless of the circumstances surrounding his departure.

Posting on social media, Windass said: “Wow. Five and a half seasons at this incredible football club, I can't explain just how much I have enjoyed playing for this club, representing the badge and the people of Sheffield.

"To the staff that have worked with me behind the scenes, to the players, and to the supporters - I can not thank you enough for the love and support you have given me during the time I have been here.

“I can categorically tell you without any hesitation that I have given 100 per cent in every single day in training and at every game.

"My goal is to always give supporters moments to remember when they go home from a game, and hopefully that is what I have done and I hope you remember me that way.

"I will never ever forget Sheffield Wednesday and for sure I'll be a fan for life. Thank you again and hopefully I'll see you again soon.”

Ironically, Windass moved to Wednesday shortly after Latics had been placed into administration by former owners IEC in the summer of 2020.

The Owls paid a knockdown fee of around £800,000 - after Latics had paid more than three times that to bring him down from Rangers two years earlier.

Windass is expected to join up with fellow Latics old-boy James McClean at Championship newcomers Wrexham.

Preston North End are reportedly lining up a move for Smith.