Sheffield Wednesday: Jordan Thorniley gives unique insight into Jos Luhukay's man-management skills

The Dutchman has led Wednesday into the Championship play-off positions after overseeing just one defeat from their last nine league matches.

And Thorniley, who came through the ranks at Everton, has established himself as a key member of Luhukay's first-team squad this calendar year.

The 21-year-old said: "Jos is quite a laid back guy but he will talk to you one on one. He gives you confidence.

"He will say to you 'I don't mind if you make mistakes, just keep trying to do the right things.'

"As a young player, that's what you need to hear because you don't want to be going out there nervous or anxious about giving the ball away or doing the wrong thing.

"As long as you are doing the right thing, he's going to be happy and put you in."

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Luhukay rates Thorniley highly and has fielded him as a centre-back, full-back and left wing-back during his 10 month reign.

Thorniley, who has made nine appearances this term, said: "As a player, you need the manager's trust and it is nice he trusts and believes in me.

"Jos knows I can play in a few positions. Hopefully I'm doing a good job and repaying him.

"I keep trying to keep my feet on the ground and giving 7 out of 10 performances every week. That's my benchmark. If I get anymore, it is a bonus. Anything less and I'm not happy."

Thorniley is enjoying working with Luhukay and has hailed the job he has done in turning around the Owls' fortunes.

"He deserves a lot of credit," he said. "He came in in a difficult period in January. A lot of people were thinking about relegation and stuff like that but we ended the season strongly.

"This season, to be up in the top six is all positive and we can only build on it. He has done a good job to get us into the play-offs."

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