Sheffield Wednesday's Henrik Pedersen explains his Owls changes
Discussions between Sheffield Wednesday and Manchester United over the future of Harry Amass will continue, The Star understands, with the left-back already having already outlined his happiness at Hillsborough.
The teenage left-back arrived in a season-long loan deal on deadline day of the summer transfer window, though it came with what is these days a customary break clause to be considered by the parent club in January. Amass has made a huge impression at Wednesday, playing every minute of their Championship campaign after making his debut in September.
He was signed to the Owls in the midst of financial struggle at S6, with recruitment restrictions meaning the deal was only possible due to Manchester United paying the costs attached to the loan deal while covering Amass’ wages. With new ownership on the horizon, it could well be that the deal requires a restructuring for the youngster to continue what has already been fine progress.
Speaking to The Star late last month, the England youth international outlined the mission statement of his loan and expressed his satisfaction at how things were going.
“It's about going back as a better player,” he said. “It's all about helping the team, but doing that is going to help me as well. There's a lot of stuff improving on the defensive side of my game and it's about improving every day, analysing it properly. The loan is really helping and I feel like I'm getting better.
placeholder image
Steve Ellis
“I'm obviously playing a lot of minutes, which is the main thing. We haven't had the results that we've wanted, but on a personal point of view I'm enjoying it. I think we can do more and I feel like there are more levels within me that I can try to produce. That will come with more games, getting used to it more and making sure I keep enjoying it.”
Among the career milestones Amass has hit during his time with Wednesday has been his first senior goal, scored in defeat at Southampton over the weekend. Owls boss Henrik Pedersen has spoken glowingly on the youngster’s progress in his loan stint and has made no secret of his desire to ensure the loan stretches until the end of the season. Discussions were held between both clubs on Saturday, Pedersen said. Amass seems as hopeful as Pedersen.
TOP PERFORMERS: Barry Bannan and Harry Amass (Image: Steve Ellis)placeholder image
TOP PERFORMERS: Barry Bannan and Harry Amass (Image: Steve Ellis)
“At the moment I haven't really thought to much about it even though it is coming,” Amass said on the prospect of United’s January decision. “I just want to play in the games and a lot of stuff has happened higher. We're waiting for things to get straightened out and we'll sort it out closer to the time. But at the moment I'm just enjoying playing here.”
There wasn’t a lack of interest in Amass while the Wednesday deal was curated, though it was decided that Hillsborough provided the best home for what club and player wanted to achieve from the loan. Pedersen was a driving force in that decision. United loans manager Jonny Evans is among the Old Trafford figures to have kept a close eye on how things are going.
Amass continued: “I spoke to the gaffer a few times and I trusted him right from the start, he showed a lot of passion and care for me and that's one of the big reasons I came. It's a big club and I just wanted to come and play some football and really be a part of something. I wanted a challenge.
“There's a few people that I speak to such as old coaches, loan managers, Jonny being the main one. I speak to him a lot. I speak with these guys frequently and a lot of staff members that I've spent time with over the years. I'm keeping in close touch with everyone.”
Continue Reading