Peterborough United v Sheffield Wednesday: Wilkinson insists Owls exit not linked to Irvine future

HOWARD WILKINSON has quit as a director of Sheffield Wednesday but his decision is not linked to the future of manager Alan Irvine.

Wilkinson, who stepped down as club chairman following the arrival of new owner Milan Mandaric, remains a firm supporter of the Owls manager who is under pressure after five league games without a win.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Post last night, Wilkinson confirmed that his departure was solely based on the need to return to his 'full-time' job as chairman of the League Managers' Association.

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"I do hope that the frantic rumour and speculation which is making everyone's life a misery at the club, including the players and the staff, will stop," he said.

"When I took on the role as chairman, I did so on the agreement and understanding that I would remain in the role only until we secured a buyer for the club and until the subsequent transmission of ownership had been effectively and smoothly completed. I feel that we have achieved the twin objectives of finding a new owner and successfully managing that transition.

"I will, of course, continue to assist the club I have played for, managed, chaired and supported in its efforts to re-establish itself as a major player in English football," he added.

Wilkinson, 67, took over the chairman's role at Hillsborough on an interim basis after the resignation of Lee Strafford in May last year. He was due to step down at the start of the 2010-11 season but the club had been unable to secure new investment and was locked in a battle to avoid administration.

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During the takeover talks, Wilkinson patched up any differences with Mandaric who, as chairman of Portsmouth and Leicester City, had rattled the LMA by frequently sacking managers at his previous clubs, Portsmouth and Leicester City.

Wilkinson was kept on as a director when Mandaric completed his 8m rescue package but always sensed that his position as LMA chairman could make things difficult at some stage.

"As I made clear at the time, my position as chairman of the LMA presented a potential conflict of interest," he said. "However, the committee of the LMA were in full agreement that the priority at that time had to be the securing of the future of a great football club and they were happy for me to take on the chairman's role (at Hillsborough) on a temporary basis."

Former chief executive Nick Parker has also left the Owls in the last month with Mandaric appointing former West Ham United and Leicester chief executiev Paul Aldridge as his replacement.

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Last night, Mandaric saluted Wilkinson's contribution to the club, saying: "Howard has always had the best interests of Sheffield Wednesday at heart. I fully respect his decision to stand down as a director and I thank him for helping to keep the club together when it really needed that support.

"Howard's input has been very important since I bought Sheffield Wednesday. Myself, Paul Aldridge and all the fans are very grateful for the time he has committed to the club.

"The transition process is now complete and we will continue to try our very best to take Sheffield Wednesday forward and back where it belongs," he added. "Howard will remain everyone's friend at the club and he will always be welcome at Hillsborough."

After the relief of Saturday's fourth round FA Cup victory over Hereford United, the Owls switch their attentions back to the League One promotion race tonight with a trip to Peterborough United.

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Irvine, who admitted that the victory may have saved his job, is acutely aware that he is still not out of the woods.

However, the signing of midfielder Isaiah Osbourne on loan until the end of the season from Aston Villa, is another welcome show of support from Mandaric who had already funded four other acquisitions since the turn of the New Year.

Osbourne, 23, has played previously on loan in the Championship for Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough, and is out of contract at Villa when his loan deal expires.

Irvine said: "He's probably more of a defensive midfield player than an attacking one and that's something we don't presently have. He was hoping to get a a move to a Championship club, and I was told there were two interested, but he has agreed to come here.

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"If he does well here, then he will have strong options in the summer.

"If we want to do something with him, then hopefully it gives us a little edge. You build up a relationship."

Midfielder Darren Potter, meanwhile, has apologised for his reaction to being substituted against Hereford.

Last six games: Peterborough WLWLWL Owls LWDLDW.

Last time: Peterborough 1 Owls 1; August 15, 2009, Championship

Referee: G Eltringham (Tyne and Wear).