Coach Steve Agnew has spoken of new Wednesday manager Steve Bruce’s delight at getting the job and how he will look to bring success back to the club.
With Bruce not taking up his position until February 1, Agnew took the pre-match press conference on Friday, ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup third round home tie with Luton Town.
Agnew has been appointed as a coach in the new set-up along with Stephen Clemence – roles they both held under Bruce at previous club Aston Villa – and he said on Friday: “Steve Bruce is absolutely delighted because he feels the club matches his ambition.
“I’ve worked with Steve a while and he is very determined and will do everything he can to bring success to Sheffield Wednesday.”
Although Bruce won’t take up his role until the start of next month due to previous personal commitments, Agnew said: “He’s hard-working and he’ll be on the phone. I’ve no doubt he’ll be closer than people think.
“And once he’s in here on February 1 he will be doing everything he can to make sure we bring success to this club.”
Barnsley-born Agnew spoke of how Wednesday has always been regarded as the big club in the area and talked of how Steve Bruce had remarked on the incredible support the team were given in the 2016 Championship play-off final when we lost to what was, at that time, Bruce’s Hull City.
In terms of the squad they have inherited after four games unbeaten under caretaker boss Lee Bullen, Agnew said: We’ve walked into a squad full of confidence with a lot of talent. The group are together with a good spirit and everyone is in a confident mood.”
Agnew also confirmed that Bullen would have a place in the future coaching set-up, adding: “Lee is very much part of the first team coaching set-up. He’s an experienced football man. He has done terrifically well in recent weeks. He is a great guy.”
And looking further ahead on the field, Agnew said: “In time, the supporters will see a very, very attractive team to watch.
“We want to improve in all aspects of play but we certainly want to have a team that the supporters are proud of and enjoy watching.”