Billy Mitchell reveals he what he will bring to Sheffield Wednesday and details Henrik Pedersen chat
Billy Mitchell has become Sheffield Wednesday’s ninth signing of what is proving to be a very busy summer transfer window.
New signing Billy Mitchell has vowed to bring both “passion” and “fight” to the table following his arrival at Sheffield Wednesday, admitting that he believes he can play an important part in manager Henrik Pedersen’s plans.
Wednesday unveiled Mitchell as their ninth signing of the summer transfer window on Sunday, confirming he has put pen to paper on a three-year deal at Hillsborough. He has joined the Owls on a free transfer after recently leaving Millwall.
The midfield enforcer, 25, has become the Owls’ third midfield signing of the summer, following the recent additions of Callum Slattery and Barry Bannan. Mitchell played alongside Bannan at Millwall in the second half of last season.
Wednesday are, of course, currently overseeing a major squad rebuild following their relegation from the Championship last term, meaning several positions are in the process of being strengthened.
As far as the midfield department is concerned, Slattery and Bannan have been drafted in to bring creativity to the table, while Mitchell will provide aggression and composure in equal measure.
Explaining what attributes he will add to the squad, Mitchell told the Owls’ in-house media: “A whole lot of heart, passion, fight and never-say-die attitude, but that goes without saying.
“I think [I will add] some quality on the ball, ability to help us dictate games, control possession, break things up and just bring the lads together.”
After his first season in the job saw him work in circumstances no manager should ever have to face Pedersen is relishing the opportunity to prove himself with a proper structure and the right tools in place this season. He is expected to move to a four-man defence, enabling Wednesday to become more adventurous and attack-minded.
On his conversations with Pedersen, Mitchell continued: “The gaffer was just very clear on where he saw me fitting into this team. I like the ideas that he had and the playing style.
“I think I can definitely add some value to the way that he wants to play.”
The former Millwall man, as already documented, is the ninth player Wednesday have drafted in so far this summer. Overseeing their rebuild is sporting director Simon Wilson, a figure Mitchell has been impressed by thus far.
“Simon has obviously got a big job on his hands with the recruitment this summer,” Mitchell added. “He seems very professional, he knows exactly what he is doing, and that really instilled some confidence in me that we are going to build a team that is capable of getting promoted and is capable of competing in the Championship, hopefully, as well.”