Proud Sedgwick plots quick return for Sheffield Wednesday

The Owls have enjoyed an unbeaten start to life in League One and host Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday afternoon at Hillsborough.

Sedgwick, one of nine new arrivals at the club this summer, said: "Some people are already saying that we will walk it – but, make no mistake, this is going to be tough.

"Sheffield Wednesday is a big club and we are viewed as a scalp for a lot of teams. We are going to have to be strong enough to handle that pressure and hopefully we will bounce back from relegation."

Born in Sheffield and a lifelong Wednesday supporter, Sedgwick was never given an opportunity to trial with his 'first love' and was rejected by both Huddersfield Town and Sheffield United.

The 30-year-old clocked up the majority of his 500 senior appearances in the Championship – with Rotherham United and Preston North End – but admits only now is he where he has always wanted to be.

"It was a proud day when I finally signed for Sheffield Wednesday. It was something I had wanted for a long time. It may have taken over 10 years but I got there in the end."

Sedgwick is no stranger to manager Alan Irvine, who had previously been in charge at Preston for two years before taking the Wednesday job.

"It is sad to see where the club is now but I am sure we have got the right man in charge to take us back to the glory days," he said. "Alan Irvine is the best manager I have worked with and I cannot praise him highly enough.

"His training methods are fantastic, his man-management is good, and his attention to detail is second to none. He puts a lot of effort and time into preparing for games and that paid dividends at Preston.

"He saved us from relegation in his first year and took us to the play-offs the next year on a shoestring budget. That speaks volumes and was another reason why I chose to join this club."

Sedgwick rejected a loan move to South Yorkshire rivals Barnsley last season but admits that he would have considered joining the Tykes if a permanent deal had been on the table.

Barnsley's loss appears to be Wednesday's gain and the winger believes his versatility could also be an important asset to the club this season.

"I know I have made my name on the right but as I have got older I have played in a lot of different positions," he added.

"I will be happy to play wherever the manager wants me. I don't mind playing in the centre or on the left as sometimes it is nice to cut in onto your stronger foot."

Irvine has opted for Sedgwick on the right and Scottish international Gary Teale on the left for the first two league games against Dagenham & Redbridge and Colchester United.

Summer signing Daniel Jones can also operate on the left flank, while Jamaican international Jermaine Johnson will increase the options when he returns from a knee injury next month.

Owls chief executive Nick Parker, meanwhile, has agreed to attend a fans' forum at Hillsborough next month to address concerns raised by the club's current financial situation.

Fans group Wednesdayite, who control a 10 per cent stake in the Owls, had called on Parker to break his silence following his refusal to provide written answers to questions.

The Owls have been served with a winding-up petition over a 550,000 unpaid tax bill but were given 28 days to pay at the High Court last week.

Parker will answer questions in the 1867 Lounge at Hillsborough on Tuesday, September 7 – the day before the club return to the High Court.

Tickets for the event are available via the club's website and are limited to two per person.

John Gath, chairman of Wednesdayite, said: "We are glad that the club is giving the supporters this opportunity to ask questions. There are obviously concerns about the club's financial position and the plan going forward."