By Paul Holmes
August 22 2002

Sheffield Wednesday have told four of their playing staff that they are free to leave the club for nothing in a bid to reduce the wage bill. The four are Simon Donnelly, Efan Ekoku, Michele Di Piedi and Phil O'Donnell.

Wednesday are still in massive debt and are desperate to offload their high-earners. However it remains to be seen if any clubs are willing to take a risk on players who have failed to sparkle in the last few season or so.

Donnelly and O'Donnell both arrived from Scotland for big money moves in 1999 but have dissapointed. Ekoku had successful times with Norwich and Wimbledon before joining Wednesday via Grasshopper of Zurich.

The Italian, Di Piedi was touted as one for the future but has failed to impress on a regular basis.