Sheffield Wednesday legend David Hirst has returned to the club in an official capacity.
The former Owls striker, who posted 309 starts and scored 128 goals for the club between 1986 and 1997, will pass on his vast experience to the academy youngsters at Middlewood Road.
Academy manager Dean Ramsdale explained: “As part of the on-going development at the academy, I am delighted to welcome David Hirst to play a part in its progression.
“David is working towards his coaching qualification with us and will be looking at the sessions and particularly the forwards with the position specific practices that we now carry out.
“He will look at each age group, from the Under-9s through to the Under-21s, passing on his knowledge and game understanding to the players.
“He will also help with recruitment/player and parent liaison to ensure we utilise his expertise and experience.”
Ramsdale believes Hirst’s appointment serves as a significant addition as the academy chief continues his restructure since taking the reins from Sean McAuley earlier last summer.
He added: “It is vital that we continue to move forward with the academy and I felt that the time was right for David to become involved.
“I have always employed knowledgeable, experienced people with strong opinions around me so we continue to work out collectively what is right and wrong.
“Looking at the staff now, I certainly have this and am looking to further strengthen over the coming weeks, months and into next season.
“It is of huge importance that that the academy has the best people around, be they coaches, recruitment, sports science staff, host families or medical care to give all our players the optimum opportunity to play for our first team.”