Josh Windass criticises Sheffield United celebrations after his ex team big loss
Sheffield United walked away from Hillsborough with a comfortable Steel City Derby victory on Sunday, but much of the post-match discussion centred not on the football itself, but on remarks made by former Wednesday forward Josh Windass. His comments, broadcast on Sky Sports, provoked a fierce response from Blades supporters across social media.
The derby was billed as one of the most anticipated fixtures in this weekend’s Championship schedule. Yet any hope that Sheffield Wednesday fans had of their side rising to the occasion was quickly dashed, as United strolled to an emphatic 3-0 win that highlighted the gulf between the two clubs at present.
A crowd of 32,740 packed into Hillsborough for the clash, but it was the visitors who dictated the tempo from the outset. Their dominance reinforced the reality that any new owner at Wednesday faces a huge job in the January transfer window if they want to provide even a glimmer of hope in the battle against relegation.
United took the lead just 11 minutes in through Tyrese Campbell, who punished hesitant defending with a crisp finish. The forward struck again just three minutes after the interval, effectively putting the game beyond Wednesday’s reach before some fans had even returned to their seats. The Owls created next to nothing going forward and failed to seriously trouble United at any point, and a late deflected effort from Tom Cannon in stoppage time rubbed salt into the wounds, completing a dominant and stress-free afternoon for the Blades.
Windass’ Comments Strike a Nerve
As United’s players celebrated a rare Hillsborough derby victory, Windass offered his post-match thoughts on Sky Sports. The former Wednesday star raised eyebrows almost immediately:
“I’m not sure about all these celebrations,” he said. “Sheffield United were favourites today based on the squad they’ve got and the situation Wednesday are in. But they played well and took their chances. The strikers came on and made an impact, and overall it was a good performance.”
The comments seemed harmless at first glance, but when Sky Sports shared the clip on X, Blades fans wasted no time voicing their anger. Some accused Windass of bitterness, with a number claiming he had even tried to engineer a summer move to Bramall Lane. Others argued that winning a derby—especially away from home—is exactly the kind of moment players and fans have every right to celebrate. A few supporters reminded Windass that Wednesday’s recent record in the fixture has been woeful, while others mocked him for leaving the Owls after invoking a contract termination when unpaid wages became an issue.
Context Behind the Derby
This edition of the Steel City Derby came under highly unusual circumstances. Wednesday, bottom of the Championship and battling through administration, are expected to change ownership before the end of the campaign. United, meanwhile, kicked off the match in the relegation zone themselves after a dire opening to the season. For both clubs, the derby arrived in the midst of chaos, even by the city’s often turbulent footballing standards.
But Wednesday’s struggles in this fixture run far deeper than their current financial problems. The Owls have now won just once in their last 11 meetings with United—a narrow 1–0 victory in February 2012 back in League One. Not since the 2011–12 season have Wednesday celebrated a derby win, meaning this drought has stretched close to 14 years.
It is also important to note that Windass was asked to give his verdict “from a Wednesday perspective,” making complete neutrality somewhat unrealistic. Even so, many Wednesday fans would acknowledge that this season has seen their club operate with severe restrictions. Transfer embargoes—resulting from the mismanagement of former owner Dejphon Chansiri—have limited squad building. Only in recent weeks have those sanctions eased slightly, allowing the arrival of veteran defender Liam Cooper.
A Gap Laid Bare
Ultimately, though, United could only beat what was in front of them, and they did so with ease. Their win underlined just how much rebuilding Wednesday face once new ownership is secured. Windass will have known full well that United’s players and fans would celebrate a derby victory regardless of the off-field turmoil affecting both clubs.
This time, the bragging rights belong convincingly to the Blades. Wednesday’s chance for redemption will come in the return fixture at Bramall Lane on February 22—a match that already feels like it could be season-defining for both sides.