GARY MADINE GOAL MACHINE

[@owlstalk]

Following considered internal discussions at board level and with all parties concerned, Sheffield Wednesday can confirm that Gary Madine will re-join the first team squad on Thursday, 27 February.

The Owls’ forward was released from prison last week and the club fully accepts that the 23-year-old has shown genuine remorse for the actions that led to his conviction in September 2013.

Sheffield Wednesday will offer their full and ongoing support to Madine as he seeks to take positive moves forward on both a personal and professional basis.

Chairman Milan Mandaric said: “First and foremost, Gary is remorseful and has apologised to all those affected.

“He has made some serious errors of judgement and is the first to take ownership of that situation and the consequences that followed.

“We can only condemn his actions as a community-focused football club and make it abundantly clear that no further breach of club rules will be tolerated.

“However, we are of the belief that Gary will try his utmost to put this episode behind him, whilst never forgetting the impact of his actions.

“In addition, we firmly believe the club can play a key, hands-on role in facilitating Gary’s rehabilitation back into the professional working environment.”

Madine said: “I would like to apologise unreservedly to everyone who has suffered through my actions. I realise I let myself, my family and friends, and Sheffield Wednesday Football Club down.

“I now wish to look forward with all the focus on my football.

“I would also like to place on record my appreciation for everyone who has offered me help and support during this difficult period of my life.

“I am grateful to Sheffield Wednesday for giving me this continued opportunity and I can only promise never to let the club or anyone else down in this manner again.”

The club nor the player will be making any further comment at this time.

[Guest OWO]

A few weeks ago I would have said no, but after taking into account other posts on the subject, I have had a change of heart.

He has done his time (some of it), everybody deserves a second chance, but it has to be the last chance he gets, any slip up and it's all over.

I don't want to be classed as a Nuhiu hater because that would not be correct, however, from what I have seen, I don't think he is up to the job of being a front line striker. …unfortunatly, we need a goal scorer (or two), a half fit Madine would do a better job.

If he gets his head down, keeps away from the idiots he will do well, I think that he, with the service he would get from Lee and Antonio, he will get the goals we need to survive.

[The Dukeries Owl]

Probably except on twitter 

[Pompeyowl]

Good. I hope he is genuine and has learnt his lesson. Deserves a second chance in my oppinion.

[Guest Manwithastick]

Good. I hope he is genuine and has learnt his lesson. Deserves a second chance in my oppinion.

Third chance?

[Loughborough Owl]

Good. I hope he is genuine and has learnt his lesson. Deserves a second chance in my oppinion.

I'll second that. He's seen what happens if he's a nobber off the pitch now and hopefully he's learned his lesson. The goal machine is better than Nuhiu and Afobe! FACT!

[Guest Mancunian_Owl]

I'll second that. He's seen what happens if he's a nobber off the pitch now and hopefully he's learned his lesson. The goal machine is better than Nuhiu and Afobe! FACT!

Guys not kicked a ball this season, don't get ahead of yourself.

 

Nuhui is a good player, just missed too many obvious chances.

 

I'll give Madine a chance, as long as he's apologised to the lads he's smacked and willing to repay the clubs support in him then he should be given this opportunity to make amends.

[RichieB]

Anyone is better than Nuhiu.

[The Night-Owl]

How many chances does he deserve just because he's a footballer?

 

Good luck to him but personally I think the club should've washed their hands with him and it brings more shame on to our once great club. :(

[Guest Iveco]

I so glad my inside info was wrong on this occasion

[EcclesallOwl]

How many chances does he deserve just because he's a footballer?

Good luck to him but personally I think the club should've washed their hands with him and it brings more shame on to our once great club. :(

Sounds like you're missing your marbles mate

Get a flipping grip

[Suzuki_San]

Third chance?

 

Fourth chance?  ;)

 

I sincerely believe this will be a good thing for him and the club. 

[The Night-Owl]

Sounds like you're missing your marbles mate

Get a flipping grip

Give the shirt to someone who deserves it and won't bring shame onto our club.

Ironic your avatar is of a player who deserves the shirt and great credit for overcoming injury and retirement,

whereas Madine is the complete opposite and doesn't deserve the shirt or yet another chance.

[bigdan2003]

How many chances does he deserve just because he's a footballer?

 

Good luck to him but personally I think the club should've washed their hands with him and it brings more shame on to our once great club. :(

 

To be fair, i'd rather we gave him a chance than let him go elsewhere to be successful (you could see that happening)

 

But also...what do folk want? to get him out of football, on his ear without a pot to p*ss in,  on the dole and doing nowt for society? Personally i'd rather we helped rehabilitate him than cast him on the already long list of wasters in our society.

 

I know someone who got locked up for a premeditated attack on his boss....gave him a right pasting, much much worse than what Madine has done. He got 5 years, served all 5 because it was a pre-planned attack, not a p*ssed up brawl. He has since come out and been allowed to rebuild his life, he has resumed his job (but at another firm) and has his life back- surely the same can be afforded for Madine?

[The Night-Owl]

To be fair, i'd rather we gave him a chance than let him go elsewhere to be successful (you could see that happening)

 

But also...what do folk want? to get him out of football, on his ear without a pot to p*ss in,  on the dole and doing nowt for society? Personally i'd rather we helped rehabilitate him than cast him on the already long list of wasters in our society.

 

I know someone who got locked up for a premeditated attack on his boss....gave him a right pasting, much much worse than what Madine has done. He got 5 years, served all 5 because it was a pre-planned attack, not a p*ssed up brawl. He has since come out and been allowed to rebuild his life, he has resumed his job (but at another firm) and has his life back- surely the same can be afforded for Madine?

I can see where you're coming from, but the man has wasted his talent and career so far by being a complete fool and a thug.

I'd avoid people like him on the street and yet just because he's a footballer he can have has many chances he wants to steal a living, I'm sorry but this brings shame onto our club, he's scum.

[mrgund]

How many chances does he deserve just because he's a footballer?

 

 

As many as he needs. Footballers aren't people, they are a level above. So we should accommodate them however it is required.

[ramone]

[Leaping Lannys Perm]

Did he show genuine remorse? I thought he plead not guilty.

[Tamworthowl]

Pleased with the club's response, but disappointed that the apology seems to have been written for Madine and he has just agreed it.

The statement is way too well drafted to have come from Gary himself (I admit to have never met or spoken to him so I may be well off the mark). I would have preferred to read a semi illiterate statement put forward with sincerity. I would have liked to have seen a commitment to cut out (of a least significantly reduce) the boozing. And twittering too.

Taking the statement on face value, I hope we get a decent player for next season. Reading between the lines, I don't think MM is going to give him any more chances.

[Guest JonTheOwl66]

Good decision.