Gardner aiming high after joining Owls

Gardner, 31, signed a two-year deal with the Owls after rejecting offers from clubs in the Far East.

“This is a great move for me. I am really impressed with the ambition of the manager and the chairman,” he said.

“I have played a lot of my career in the Premiership and that is where I want to return to,” he added. “I have no intention of coming to a club that is just out to consolidate in the Championship. I want to succeed and that is why I have come to Sheffield Wednesday.”

Owls manager Dave Jones played a waiting game in pursuit of Gardner after originally holding talks with the former Hull City and Tottenham Hotspur centre-back last month.

Jones said: “It has taken a little longer than anticipated because of circumstances – he was away while I was away and vice versa but I kept in contact with him throughout that time. He gave me his word and he stuck to it. Anthony is a quality player and a leader with Championship and Premiership pedigree. He will help take Sheffield Wednesday forward.”

Morecambe defender Lawrie Wilson has become the ninth new arrival of the summer at Rotherham United.

The former Chester City and Everton left-back, 25, has agreed a one-year deal with the Millers and an option to extend until summer 2014.

Manager Steve Evans, meanwhile, has also confirmed that defender Ryan Cresswell, midfielder Danny Schofield, and goalkeeper Jamie Annerson are free to leave.

Barnsley will play Premier League side West Bromwich Albion in a pre-season friendly at Oakwell on Saturday, July 28 (kick-off 3pm).