Sheffield Wednesday’s Kirkland decides to leave club

The 34-year-old had fallen down the pecking order with the Owls last season following the arrival of Keiren Westwood and will leave S6 in pursuit of a fresh challenge that he hopes will offer more chances of regular first team football.

Formerly of Coventry and Liverpool, Kirkland explained his decision to Sheffield Wednesday’s official website, swfc.co.uk: “This has been a really tough decision and one that I have mulled over through the summer but I have decided to move on.

“I want a new challenge at this stage of my career. Everyone loves to play first team football and I am no different.

“I came back to the club this week to do things the right way, which is in person because I have a lot of friends at this football club who deserve full respect.

“I would like to thank all the staff who have been so supportive in my three years with Wednesday and wish the new head coach and the new chairman nothing but the very best.

“And, of course, I would like to thank the fans, who have been different class and I hope to see them at the other end of the field soon.”

Sheffield Wednesday would like to thank Chris for his services and wish him well for the future.