Sedgwick wings his way to Sheffield Wednesday

The former Rotherham United winger, 30, has joined the Owls on a two-year contract following his release by Preston North End.

He links up again with former Preston manager Alan Irvine who is now in charge at Hillsborough and becomes the Owls's first signing of the summer.

"I've wanted to play for Sheffield Wednesday for such a long time so to get this sorted is a great feeling," he admitted last night.

"I've supported Wednesday all my life, my family are all Wednesdayites too, so to get this opportunity is fantastic."

Rejected by the club as a youngster, Sheffield-born Sedgwick was subsequently snapped up by Rotherham where he played a key role in the club's climb from League Two to Championship level under Ronnie Moore.

He was eventually sold to Preston for 300,000 in 2004 and spent six seasons at Deepdale – operating predominantly on the right-wing but also on the left if required.

Irvine, who is also interested in Preston defender Eddie Nolan and strikers Jon Parkin and Neil Mellor, has been short of natural wide players since his arrival at the club five months ago.