Mandaric aims to support Gray to achieve Premier dream

The Owls chairman rewarded Gray’s efforts as caretaker-manager by handing him a two-and-a-half year deal in the new role of head coach following Saturday’s 2-1 FA Cup win at Rochdale.

But Mandaric plans to create a new post of director of football in preparation for a return to English football’s top-flight.

Gray will remain in charge of the first team – having lost just two games in 12 and an eight-game unbeaten run since replacing Dave Jones – while the director of football will oversee the club’s Academy and recruitment.

When Gray took charge eight weeks ago, the Owls were six points adrift at the bottom of the Championship, but are now two points clear in 19th place and in the last 16 of the FA Cup.

“I am very happy to say that Stuart has been appointed head coach of Sheffield Wednesday,” said Mandaric. “When he was initially asked to step in, his brief was to get us out of the bottom three, get some wins and clean sheets, and make some tangible progress on the pitch.

“Stuart has achieved all those things. He was given the chance to impress and has taken that chance with both hands.

“He’s been doing the job since day one, I just didn’t want to make a quick, aggressive decision. I wanted to give us time, make sure it was the right decision.

“I am trying to implement a modern type of football management and structure of the club.

“In principle, Stuart’s title allows him to do the same job, he has full power and responsibility but eventually I would like to introduce a director of football to partner Stuart and his staff.

“I am looking at the bigger picture for where this club needs to go and in a modern football environment for the long-term benefit of Sheffield Wednesday.

“This is a big club that needs to go places and this will modernise the structure of the football side.”

Mandaric’s desired destination is the Premier League and he believes 53-year-old Gray has proven in his caretaker spell that he can end a 14-year exile.

“I think he should achieve a lot with his training and football knowledge, the support we shall give him,” said Mandaric. “We need to make progress, we came from League One, had a very difficult time last season, and the start of this season.

“We need to clear that out, put a clean sheet in front of us with a plan to go to the Premier League. That’s been the aim since day one.”

Wednesday hope to extend striker Connor Wickham’s loan from Sunderland until the summer and Gray hopes to add two forwards to his squad before Friday’s closure of the transfer window.

The former Southampton manager has won six, drawn four and lost twice in his dozen games in charge and believes his players earned him a permanent deal.

“I am delighted to get the job on a permanent basis,” he said. “This is a football club with a rich heritage and history and I am very proud to become head coach.

“While this is a fantastic honour for me on a personal note, I have to credit the players because they have given everything to get the recent results we have enjoyed.

“It’s not been just the results, though, it’s the manner in which we have won games.”