Tony Pulis revealed on Monday during his first press conference that he jumped at the opportunity and challenge to manage Sheffield Wednesday.
The experienced boss spoke of influences surrounding his move to Hillsborough and cited his relationship with popular figures associated with the club; Don and Gary Megson to name but two.
And so, combined with his own experiences of playing against the Owls, Pulis says he jumped at the chance to lead the club after speaking with SWFC chairman Dejphon Chansiri.
“I’ve been around people all my life, who have either played for this football club, been at or supported the football club,” Pulis said.
“I made my debut as a player for Don Megson, who is a legend at this club, when he was the manager at Bristol Rovers.
“He always told me about Wednesday. I remember him walking out at Wembley with the ball on his left thigh in the 1966 FA Cup final.
“Everybody here or outside has always talked about this club so highly and its potential and everything else.
“From my time in professional football, I’ve seen great highs and great lows at this club.
“At the moment, it needs something to buck it up and get the results everyone wants.
“As soon as the chairman called me, yes, I really fancied this challenge.
“I’m very fortunate to come into a club like Sheffield Wednesday. I want to get in here, smell the roses and really find out what is going on.”
Although the current COVID-19 situation means fans are unable to be allowed inside stadiums, Pulis gave a nod to the supporters, their influence and the part they can play when a more familiar situation presents and fans can back their team in person.
He added: “One of the reasons I came here was because I have a great association with people who have been at Sheffield Wednesday and they have commented on the wonderful support this club gets.
“I can only talk as an opposing manager but whether at Hillsborough or whenever Sheffield Wednesday came to our place, the support was always fantastic.
“You look here and Stoke, places like that, working class areas - if you give them something to believe in, then they’ll get behind you and that’s what we have to do.”