Sheffield Wednesday chief operating officer leaves to join Leeds United

Bell, who was brought to Hillsborough in October 2014 by former chairman Milan Mandaric, with the pair having worked together at Portsmouth, takes up the role of Executive Director at Elland Road.

Bell told Wednesday's website: "I have enjoyed a fantastic 15 months at Hillsborough and I am proud of the progress that the club has made off the field during that period.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed leading the senior management team and supporting the chairman since his arrival. I would also like to make special reference to the staff here at Hillsborough. They are a fantastic group of people and it's been a pleasure to work with them on a daily basis.

"These are very exciting times for Sheffield Wednesday and its supporters. The chairman is extremely ambitious and determined to return the club back to the Premier League. I wish the chairman, Carlos (Carvalhal), the staff and the supporters all the very best for the future."

Leeds United chairman Massimo Cellino said Wednesday 'were very disappointed to lose' Bell.

"I am pleased to be able to welcome Paul Bell back to the club as our new Executive Director," said Cellino. "Paul already has the knowledge of Leeds United and the experience needed to help continue to take us forward off the field. Sheffield Wednesday were very disappointed to lose Paul and it is not difficult to see why. I look forward to working closely with him at Elland Road."

Owls chairman Dejphon Chansiri reiterated that point, saying: “I am grateful for all the help Paul has given me since I arrived at Sheffield Wednesday.

"He has helped me to take the club forward off the pitch and whilst I am disappointed to see him leave, I understand his decision based on the opportunity he has been offered. I wish him well in his new role."

Bell had previously spent four-and-a-half years at Leeds United as Director of Commercial Affairs

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