New Sheffield Wednesday manager Jos Luhukay reveals he turned down Bundesliga jobs before accepting Hillsborough challenge

The 54-year-old Dutchman - who has spent his entire coaching career in Germany - was announced as manager to replace Carlos Carvalhal, who left the Owls on Christmas Eve.

He will have a watching brief when Wednesday travel to Carlisle United today in the FA Cup, before taking over on Monday, when he will hold a media conference.

Luhukay faces a daunting first Championship game, the Steel City derby at Bramall Lane next Friday evening.

Wednesday are desperate for points, after a run of just one win in 10 games saw them slide down the Championship to sit just six points off the relegation zone.

His long-term mission will be to get the Owls promoted - something Carvalhal failed to do despite twice reaching the play-offs - and Luhukay said his first job was to “stabilise the team”.

He said: "In Germany I have turned down offers from the Bundesliga and Second Bundesliga in recent months because I have been looking for an entirely new challenge.

“Sheffield Wednesday is exactly the exciting challenge for which I have been waiting.

“We shall now work together with all the staff at the club and the fans, to stabilise the team, and following that, improve it step by step with discipline, effort, commitment and creativity to take it up.”

Luhukay impressed Owls owner Dejphon Chansiri in his job interview, who was impressed with his track record of promotion in Germany with clubs like Borussia Monchengladbach, FC Augsburg and Hertha Berlin.

Chansiri added: “I am delighted to welcome Jos to Hillsborough.

“Following an extensive search for the right candidate to take us forward, I am thoroughly convinced Jos is that man.

“His track record and experience suggested he was the perfect fit and once I spoke with him, there was no doubt in my mind that Jos would become our new manager.

“I wish him all the very best and every success.”