Former Sheffield Wednesday caretaker manager to work under ex-Sheffield United boss in new coaching role in the USA

The 47-year-old Sheffield-born coach spent seven years as head coach of Wednesday’s academy set-up from 2005 until 2012, enjoying two stints as the first team’s caretaker manager after the departures of Paul Sturrock and Brian Laws respectively.

He’ll work under former Sheffield United boss Adrian Heath in Minnesota, joining after a two-year stint with Orlando City.

“He’s vastly experienced. I’ve known him since the early days in England,” said Heath. “He did an incredible job at youth development at Sheffield Wednesday and was much sought after in England.

“Then he comes to Portland and they win the MLS Cup with him as an assistant.

“I know lots of people who have worked with him that say that for them, he’s the great link between the players and the coach.

“I tried to get him in Orlando, couldn’t do it, couldn’t get him to come with us when we originally came to Minnesota and now here we are again. I’m delighted he’s on board.

“He brings a bit of everything. I know he’s a good coach, I know he’s a real good interpersonal skills person so he’s going to be a terrific link between me and the players.”

McAuley boasts a mixed record as Owls caretaker. His first spell, bridging the gap between the reigns of Sturrock and Laws in late 2006, saw him oversee four matches unbeaten, winning three and drawing one.

His second, following Laws’ sacking, saw him take just one point from his three matches before the appointment of Alan Irvine.

He left Wednesday to join Portland in 2012 having brought the likes of Liam Palmer, Tommy Spurr and Mark Beevers through the Owls youth set-up.

Speaking at the time, then-Owls chairman Milan Mandaric said: “Sean is a good man and a talented coach who is very dedicated.

“He expressed a desire to take up this opportunity and although we did not want him to leave, he does so with our very best wishes.”