For Megson was the Owls new boy's manager at Stoke and West Brom and is a big Wednesday fan - so O'Connor does not want to let him down.

"I know what affection he has for the club," says the new signing

"We played against Wednes-day in the League Cup when I was at Stoke and he said what a special club they were; you could see what the club meant to him."

He added with a smile: "Hopefully I won't let him down now I'm here!

Like ex-Owls star Megson - who is now boss of Bolton - O'Connor is ginger-haired and known as an energetic central midfield player.

Megson made him a first-team regular at Stoke and, after becoming boss at West Brom, paid £250,000 to take him to The Hawthorns.

Brian Laws is O'Connor's latest managerial admirer and had a big influence in the Irishman's decision to pick Hillsborough this summer after he rejected a new contract at Burnley.

Southampton, Leicester, Coventry, Blackpool and Forest were believed to be homing in on him.

"There were a few clubs interested and I spoke to a few people," admitted the 28-year-old.

"After listening to what the manager here had to say, and seeing the stadium and the club, I just felt that it was right for me. Everybody knows what a big club it is.

"I don't believe in setting targets, but I'm as ambitious as anybody and we'll all be striving for a successful season."

He has played against the Owls several times - he scored in Burnley's 1-1 draw at Hillsborough two years ago - and noted the impressive support that the club get.

"It will be nice to have those fans on your side instead of against you!" he grinned.

O'Connor and the Owls' other new signing, Jimmy Smith, met for the first time yesterday when Smith, 21, joined training after his six-month loan move from Chelsea.

"I'm glad to be here," said the former England Under-19 midfielder who has been on Chelsea's books since he was nine.

"Obviously it's a big club. There was no hesitation about coming here."

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