Star jumps and a list of 200: Sheffield Wednesday know what they’re getting in Aden Flint

But then again there weren’t many central defenders that weren’t included in Carlos Carvahal’s fated ‘shortlist of 200’ three years ago as the Owls spread their net far and wide for defensive solidity they hoped would take them to the Premier League.

Flint, who has become their second deadline day signing on a season-long loan deal from Cardiff was a Bristol City player then and will line up in competition with the man Carvalhal plumped for; Joost van Aken.

“These kind of things take time,” the Portuguese boss told The Star in August 2017. “We don’t want to make mistakes.

“We have had chances to bring in centre-halves but we have not found the correct ones.

“My staff and I have seen more than 200 centre-backs but for various reasons we have not bought.

“We have looked at players in the Premier League, the Championship, League One, League Two and abroad.”

The Star understands that Flint was high on that long-list and though he would stay at Ashton Gate for another season, big-money moves to Middlesbrough and Cardiff would follow.

Dutchman van Aken, of course, is busy on the comeback trail after injury and loss of form saw him spend last season on loan in Germany.

Flint will also be recognisable to Wednesday fans as the giant defender that distracted Cameron Dawson in the Owls goal away at Cardiff last season during Lee Tomlin’s last-gasp equaliser.

Fuming Wednesday boss Garry Monk pointed out the fact that while the free-kick Tomlin scored from was questionable in itself, Flint was in an offside position as he performed jumping jacks between Dawson and the Owls wall. The goal, it was later confirmed, should have been scrubbed off.

“They had one of their players doing star jumps behind the wall, trying to distract our keeper,” said Monk post-match.

“How the officials haven't seen that, not only the foul, but it's not hard to see a 6ft 6ins player doing star jumps in an offside position behind the wall.

“Everyone in the stadium thought it was the north star jumping behind it.”

Bring on the ‘housery’.

MORE FROM OUR WEDNESDAY WRITING TEAM

Sheffield Wednesday get their number nine! Jack Marriott loan terms revealed

“There’s an aura about the club…” - Jack Marriott’s first words as a Sheffield Wednesday player following his move from Derby County

Sheffield Wednesday secure NINTH signing of the window: GIANT Cardiff defender Aden Flint

*

Thank you for reading this article, one of dozens we publish every single day to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club. This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at The Star, please consider taking out a subscription to our new discounted sports-only package. You'll find all the details at www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions/sports.

Your support is much appreciated.

Chris Holt, Football Editor