Sheffield Wednesday man typically classy when discussing ‘really frustrating’ exit season
The versatile defender had his move down the Parkway confirmed this week, drawing a line under his time with the Owls after his released was confirmed. James will officially become a Millers man when his Wednesday contract ends at the end of next month.
By his own admission, his was a two-year Wednesday stint of contrasting fortunes. A key man in the 2022/23 League One promotion season in which he played 34 times and played a vital role in their victorious play-off campaign. He was sidelined this time out under both Xisco and Danny Röhl, however, making only 11 appearances across all competitions. His final league start for the club coming as far back as November.
Reflecting on his time with Wednesday,James told BBC Sheffield: “Obviously it’s been a really frustrating season for myself on the back of what had happened in the League One season, when you’re a massive part of something and then came back to play for a club that you really enjoyed your time at.
“It was difficult, hard, mentally challenging. But it never changed the way my mentality was. It was to train hard, to hopefully get an opportunity. It just never came unfortunately, but that’s what happens in football. Football is a game of opinions and sometimes you might not be right for some people. That’s just the way it goes.
“It doesn’t stop the drive in myself to want to go and prove myself. That’s now something I want to do this season. I want the challenge, I want to show that I’ve still got that ability to play at a high level and keep pushing. I’m wanting to improve and that’s something the manager will hopefully get out of me.”
