Ben Hamer, the custodian, is “set to join” Sheffield Wednesday this summer, according to a report that was published on Monday.
As Danny Röhl wants to expand his alternatives between the sticks, radio Sheffield writer Rob Staton stated on Twitter that the 36-year-old was headed to Hillsborough, and there are multiple reasons why it makes sense for the team.
The first is, of course, that he is a seasoned goalie who can contribute greatly to the goalkeeping staff for the upcoming season—especially because they don’t have a non-teenage keeper contracted for the following one—but that’s not all.
The fact that he speaks fluent German is one aspect that might be useful but is perhaps less well recognised. Since Hamer moved to Germany when he was three years old, he is able to assist Sascha Lense and manager Danny Röhl with translations if needed on the training pitch.
Additionally, he has direct access to two members of Röhl’s coaching team. The former Leicester City player was Chris Powell’s top assistant at Charlton Athletic during their 2012 League One championship, appearing in over 100 appearances for the Owls between 2011 and 2014.
Finally, but just as importantly, Hamer had a working relationship with Wednesday’s custodian coach, Sal Bibbo, back when he was a young player at Reading, so the two would have some experience together. They would be closely together at Middlewood Road.
Although his contract at Vicarage Road is about to expire, there has been no formal statement on the Owls’ pursuit of the former Watford player. It’s possible that he may be the team’s first summer addition.
