Owls News Round Up

Excellent news earlier this week when we learned Sean McAllister has a new two year contract extension with Wednesday.

A period on loan earlier this season at Mansfield preceded eight games in the Owls team, the 20 year old bringing a zesty enthusiasm and impressing manager and supporters alike at a crucial time of the year for the battling Wednesday side.

Brian Laws commented: 'Sean is a player who took his opportunity. He is so wholehearted. He has shown everybody what you can do with hard work; you can get into the side, and show how important the work ethic is. Sean might lack height but he doesn't lack bottle. I've always said that small players have to have something that gives them an edge. Sean has a great engine, he's prepared to stick his foot in, and he can play.'

Wednesday will be looking for McAllister to build on this season's considerable success and make the step up to a regular place in the team in much the same way as former academy players Mark Beevers, Tommy Spurr and Richard Wood.

It appears another Wednesday youngster will feature at first team level next year. Lots of comment from S6 about teenage keeper Richard O'Donnell, who will be handed the backup role this season following the departure of Rob Burch.

Laws again: 'Richard has done very well and we are really pleased with his progress. He has also been out on loan and benefitted from the experience. With Rob Burch going, it allows Richard to come through and blossom, and he has really come on in the last six months.'

O'Donnell's league experience over the last couple of seasons with Rotherham, York and most recently Oldham has put the Sheffield born youngster in the spotlight.

And finally, Cyril...

Confirmation of the Owls full pre-season schedule, following our earlier announcements:

Tuesday 15 July: HFC Haarlem (a)
Thursday 17 July: Stormvogels Telstar (a)
Wednesday 23 July: Stocksbridge (a)
Saturday 26 July: Bury (a)
Tuesday 29 July: Chesterfield (a)
Wednesday 30 July: Sheffield FC (a)
Saturday 2 August: Wigan (h)