The Wednesday manager has just had to perform the unhappy task of telling several Hillsborough hopefuls that they are being released.

But he insists that it need not be the end of their football dreams.

"It's the unpleasant part of any manager's job, without doubt, telling players that you have to release them," said the Owls chief.

"It's just as hard whether it involves senior players, with whom you have worked closely, or young ones, who have been hoping to take another step up the ladder.

"It's a youngster's ambition, it's his dream, to make it in the game. But sometimes you have to make a hard decision.

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"I always say 'I hope I'm wrong; go out there and prove that we made a wrong decision and I'll be the happiest man in the world'.
"If it doesn't work out at one club, it doesn't mean it won't work out at another.

"It's not the end of their careers, even if they have to take a step back by dropping down a division."

Three of the seven players who have been released had spent a year as professionals after moving up from the academy last summer.
They are midfielder Dave McClements, left-back James Kay and striker Jason Bradley.


Others freed by the club are senior men Rob Burch, Ronnie Wallwork, Burton O'Brien and Lee Bullen, who has agreed a two-year deal with Falkirk.

Several academy players are also leaving, but two have been offered professional terms - keeper Aaron Jameson and centre-half Sam Liversidge.

Three players who have just spent their first year as pros have been offered new contracts: right-back Liam McMenamin, forward Luke Boden and keeper Richard O'Donnell.

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