Sheffield Wednesday manager Brian Laws will be hoping for a much-improved campaign this time round after finishing in 16th place last term, just three points above the Championship drop-zone. The Owls' boss has moved to strengthen his squad by signing former Burnley midfielder James O'Connor on a free transfer along with up-and coming Chelsea youngster Jimmy Smith on loan. O'Connor was actually offered a new deal to stay at Turf Moor but he opted for new challenge and he arrives at Hillsborough on a three-year contract. Like his manager Laws, the former Republic of Ireland international is keen to be part of a more successful season in 2008-09 but, as givemefootball's Mark Shail discovered, the 28-year-old is not making any bold predictions.
Q:HOW HAVE YOU SETTLED IN AT YOUR NEW CLUB?
A:We're back training and it was good to get going. It's been very interesting and the lads have been great. There is a good spirit at the club.
Q:WHAT ARE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE SQUAD?
A:You can see there are good players here, there's good ability and if that ability can be matched with hard work then we're on to something for the future. For the players as a group, we are all looking forward to the new season. I#m really impressed with everyone, there's a good family atmosphere and that always helps on the pitch.
Q:YOU MUST BE HOPING YOU CAN BE PART OF AN UPTURN IN FORTUNES FOR WEDNESDAY NEXT SEASON?
A:I'm sure as a group we will sit down and set our targets for the season and what we hope to do, but I'm quite a quiet chap and I like to do my talking on the pitch rather than say this or that. That is something I try not to do – to start stating publicly what we are going to achieve.
Q:WAS IT A DIFFICULT DECISION TO LEAVE BURNLEY?
A:I was there for three season plus. I went on loan and then came back. I just felt it was the right stage of my career to make a move. I've got nothing but good things to say about the club, the people of Burnley and the manager. I enjoyed my time there and I'd like to thank everyone who supported me.
Q:AND WOULD YOU BELIEVE IT, WEDNESDAY’S FIRST GAME OF THE SEASON IS AGAINST BURNLEY?
A:I just had to smile. It's incredible how things work out. I was just looking forward to the new season and so it happens, the first game is against Burnley – but I suppose we had to play them at some point.
Q:WILL THAT BE A SPECIAL FIXTURE FOR YOU?
A:I've gone back before and played against my old clubs but the important thing from our point of view is that we are winning. I tend not to think too much about the past, my future is at Sheffield Wednesday and three points will give us a good start. We'll shake hands and everything at the end but as long as we get the three points we'll be happy. The main issue for me is that we are successful at Sheffield Wednesday and that starts on August 9th.
