The blue half of Sheffield has been set ablaze with debate after a Sky Sports pundit’s controversial claim that Chesterfield’s John Fleck is a far superior midfielder to Sheffield Wednesday’s long-serving captain Barry Bannan.
Speaking on Sky Sports News during a discussion about League One and League Two midfield talent, former Premier League striker turned pundit Clinton Morrison did not mince his words.
“I don’t care what anyone says,” Morrison said live on air. “For me, John Fleck is miles better than Barry Bannan. He’s got the physical edge, the drive, and the passing range that Bannan just doesn’t have anymore. If I’m picking a midfield to compete in today’s game, Fleck walks into my side ahead of him every time.”
The statement instantly sparked fury among Wednesday supporters, who revere Bannan as a club icon. The Scottish playmaker has been the heartbeat of the Owls for nearly a decade, pulling the strings in midfield and amassing over 400 appearances since arriving in 2015.
One angry fan posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Bannan has carried this club for years, while Fleck has been bouncing around clubs. To even compare the two is an insult.”
Another added: “Clinton Morrison clearly hasn’t been watching Wednesday if he thinks Fleck could lace Bannan’s boots.”
While the comparison may seem disrespectful to many, Morrison’s comments do open up an interesting statistical debate.
Last season in the Championship with Sheffield United, Fleck made 28 appearances, averaging 1.5 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game, showing his defensive work rate. Since moving to Chesterfield in League Two, he has been praised for bringing top-level experience into a younger side.
Barry Bannan, meanwhile, in Wednesday’s 2023/24 campaign, recorded 6 assists and 3 goals across all competitions, maintaining his reputation as a creative hub. He averaged 2.2 key passes per match — a figure far higher than Fleck’s contribution in the final third.
Statistically, the contrast is clear: Fleck thrives more in breaking up play and providing bite in midfield, while Bannan remains one of the division’s most effective creators.
Morrison doubled down on his claim later in the program:
“Look, I respect Barry Bannan, he’s done great things for Wednesday, but he’s slowing down. Fleck brings steel and balance. I’d take that all day long over sideways passes.”
It’s a statement that has divided opinion, even outside South Yorkshire. Some neutral fans believe Morrison has a point, arguing that Bannan’s influence is waning as he enters the twilight of his career. Others insist Bannan’s loyalty, vision, and consistency still make him untouchable at Hillsborough.
Sheffield Wednesday fans will not take kindly to their captain being disrespected, and with Fleck now making headlines again at Chesterfield, the timing of Morrison’s comments could not be more explosive.
Whether you agree or not, one thing is certain: the debate over Fleck vs. Bannan will rage on long after the pundit’s words. And in Sheffield, few debates run hotter than those involving their beloved captain.
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