Dean Windass on how sending son Josh for two weeks on a building site started his journey to Sheffield Wednesday

And it’s one that could have taken a very different path had his dad Dean, a former Wednesday loanee himself, not pulled him off the sofa and onto a building site.

Released from Huddersfield Town after injury problems as a teenager, the now 26-year-old found himself unsure of what to do.

And sensing a crossroads developing in Josh’s life, Windass senior took is upon himself to change the course of his son’s story.

“There’s a mate of mine that has a building company,” Dean told SGH Sporting Events’ ‘A Lunchtime With’.

“Josh was laid on the couch feeling sorry for himself and I told him he’s not sitting there playing on your game all day, you’re going to work for him.

“He worked there for two weeks and he hated it. That inspired him. If you want to be a footballer you’ve got to get off your backside. Now he’s playing for Sheffield Wednesday.”

Windass has scored two goals so far in an up-and-down start to life at Wednesday that has seen him in and out of the side.

Dean played in the Premier League for three clubs and if he has anything to do with it, one thing that won’t cost Josh a career in the big time is his attitude towards hard work.

“I dropped past where he was born the other day when I went to the shop,” he said. “I sent him a picture and told him ‘that’s where you’ve come from, don’t forget that’.

“I hope he goes on to make millions and I hope he goes on to play in the Premier League, but he will not forget where he’s come from and who he is as a person.

“I’m sure he’ll become a Premier League footballer one day and he’ll get his chance because he’s developing as a man as well.

“He’s got an opportunity now at Sheffield Wednesday to go on and really make his career.”