Sheffield Wednesday appoint boyhood Owl Nicky Weaver as their new first-team goalkeeping coach

Weaver has worked closely with the senior squad throughout pre-season following the departure of Andy Rhodes.

"I’m very happy for everything to be sorted and excited for the future," said Weaver, who returned to Hillsborough in September 2014, originally taking up the role of academy goalkeeping coach.

"I’ve been here as a coach for the last four years, learning my trade. I’m thankful to have been offered this chance and keen to get started."

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The 39-year-old made 54 appearances in two separate stints for Wednesday during his playing career.

"Sheffield Wednesday first-team goalkeeper coach – it sounds fantastic," said Weaver, a boyhood Owls fan. "For me there is no better job in the country because this is my club.

"I’ve been doing the job for the past month but now it is all officially signed and sealed and we can look forward.

"There was no rush. I was already here at the club and it was just a case of getting everything right for all sides."

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The move represents a natural step in Weaver's coaching career.

He said: "I’ve been doing the job for the past month, I’ve also worked with Andy Rhodes closely over the years and he has left the goalkeeper department in very good shape.

"I was here as a schoolboy as a young Owl, I’ve played for the club in two different spells, I’ve learned my trade here as a coach and although I didn’t think I would get to this position, it has become a reality.

"It’s fantastic, not just for me but my family and my kids, who are big Wednesday fans. They were too young really to watch me when I was a player here, so to continue my relationship with this club is perfect."

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