Carvalhal: It is a dream to come to Sheffield Wednesday

The little-known Portuguese was finally appointed on Tuesday night after a protracted saga and is now seeking to win the trust of the Owls fanbase after being the club’s first foreign hesad coach/manager in their history.

He replaces Stuart Gray who was controversially sacked last month after guiding the Owls to a comfortable 13th-placed finish last season.

Carvalhal will be joined at Hillsborough by countrymen Joao Mario, Joao Cunha and Bruno Lage who will form his backroom team.

On his appointment, Carvalhal said: “Sheffield Wednesday, it’s an historical club with amazing fans - they love their football and their club.

“I want [to] be part of these feelings, to love the club with a big passion and try to give happiness to all.

“To achieve that we must play positive football, and if we do that, we can all go the same way.

“I have coached big teams in Europe like Sporting and Besiktas and played in the Europa League but my child’s dream has always been to coach in England.

“To come to England and to a club like Sheffield Wednesday is amazing. I’m excited and I want to win the trust of our massive fans.”

Compatriots Joao Mario, Joao Cunha and Bruno Lage form part of Carvalhal’s backroom staff.

Owls chairman Dejphon Chansiri believes the appointment of the relatively unknown Carvalhal will bring success to the South Yorkshire club.

“Firstly, I would like to welcome Carlos to Sheffield Wednesday,” said Chansiri.

“I firmly believe that this appointment will take our team and our club to the next level and towards where we all want to be, the Premier League.

“It is important for our supporters that they watch their team play attractive, aggressive and entertaining football.

“Carlos buys in completely to this philosophy and I am confident that his experience, knowledge and ability will herald the start of a successful new era for Sheffield Wednesday.”

Carvalhal, who has spent the bulk of his managerial career in his homeland, had a spell in charge of Sporting Lisbon while also spending a season with Turkish giants Besiktas.

His appointment had been expected for over a week with reports also linking the Owls with a move for Swindon boss Mark Cooper, with the Yorkshireman tipped to come in as head coach with Carvalhal in a general manager role.

The Owls have undergone a complete change in management structure this summer, with the introduction of a Sporting Director Committee to oversee affairs at Hillsborough.

That committee includes former West Ham and Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder, scout Paul Senior and former Fulham coach Jonathan Hill.

Gray was also part of that committee before his shock departure and it is likely that Carvalhal will take his place there as well as in the dugout.

According to the club’s website, Carvalhal will be ‘presented’ to the media at a Hillsborough press conference on Thursday, July 9.