Irvine excited by Wilkinson partnership

Sheffield Wednesday manager Alan Irvine is "looking forward to working" with new interim chairman Howard Wilkinson as the Owls prepare for life in League One next season. Former Wednesday and Leeds boss Wilkinson, 66, who had been acting as technical advisor to the Owls board, was appointed to his new role following the resignation of Lee Strafford. Wilkinson will be working in an unpaid capacity. Irvine said: "I'm looking forward to working with Howard Wilkinson, who is an extremely respected figure throughout football. "We have a lot of work to do and our priority is bringing in the right kind of players with the character and ability to deal with the challenge and expectation of playing for Sheffield Wednesday." Strafford joined the Owls board in December 2008, primarily to attract new investment to Hillsborough, and was appointed chairman the following month. The club has been in talks with two potential investors, but were forced to reject a proposal last week, which was "at a significantly lower level than had previously been agreed by all parties". Irvine added: "I'd like to thank Lee for bringing me to Sheffield Wednesday and I'm sure he would agree that we now have to look forward and concentrate on building the new squad for the new season. He's a passionate supporter of this football club and I'd like to wish him all the very best in whatever he chooses to do in the future."

Source: PA