Sponsored by
Welcome to Wilko
BRIAN Laws today welcomed the surprise return to Hillsborough of Howard Wilkinson.
The Owls have appointed the 65-year-old ex-manager as technical adviser and manager Laws believes tWilkinson can help the club map out the way to a brighter future.
Wilkinson, who was Owls manager between 1983 and 1988, will have no direct input into playing affairs.
He will help the board in their bid to secure multi-million-pound investment and advise them on what needs to be put in place to give Laws and academy manager Sean McAuley the best possible support.
As part of the club's new business plan, the former Wednesday manager will also prepare a report on the infrastructure - the basic framework - that the club need to improve their Championship prospects and what will be needed if they get into the Premier-ship.
It is believed that the involvement of such a high-profile personality will also show to the potential investors that the club's business strategy is sound and highly professional.
Laws believes that the scouting operation in particular is an area that needs to be strengthened after being seriously eroded by previous cutbacks.
If he got millions to spend on players he believes that his current scouting resources would not be able to assess the market properly.
The Owls manager said: "We have to have the infrastructure right. At the moment we are a million miles away from it.
"That's where Howard will come in - on what the needs are if you have a Premier League club and what the infrastructure has to be. He wants to produce something so that we are in a position to be ready when the money becomes available."
He added: "The scouting system is down to the bare minimum. I have spoken to many clubs about their structures and we are a millions miles away from them.
"Howard will support me in what I believe we need.
Got a view? Add your comment below.
READ MORE
Watch Premiership highlights, international football, golf, tennis, darts and much more
Football headlines.
Football gossip.
Blades news
Blades watch 0809 - The season so far
Owls news
Owls watch 0809 - The season so far
Reds news.
Millers news.
More rugby.
More boxing.
Sports columnists.
All sport categories
"We are showing to possible investors that we are going to be ultra-professional and well prepared.
"I am absolutely comfortable with Howard coming in, to work on the structure with me and support me in driving the vehicle - at the moment, we need an MOT!"
Wilkinson said: "I am very pleased to be working with Wednesday in a formal capacity once again and I am keen to help the club mplement changes which will see the Owls flourish again."
HINDS AIMS FOR LONGER STAY
.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Sheffield
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Fog
Temperature: -6 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: -2 C to -1 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South west
