Andy Holdsworth has told swfc.co.uk he will take huge pride tomorrow at St James Park when he leads Wednesday from the touchline in the FA Cup third round.
The Owls make the long trip to Exeter on Saturday for the cup clash but the preparation has been far from ideal in the build-up.
With a significant portion of the Wednesday contingent testing positive for COVID-19, the Owls’ plans for the cup-tie have been subject to major disruption.
Caretaker manager Neil Thompson, Lee Bullen and Steven Haslam are amongst those who are now in a period of isolation and not available to travel.
Under-18s manager Holdsworth will take charge, alongside Daral Pugh, Nicky Weaver and Tony Strudwick.
Holdsworth, who joined the club in September 2018 as Under-18s manager, says it will be a proud day for him personally but that the only important thing on the day is for Wednesday to progress to round four.
He said: “It all happened really quickly but that’s football and you have to be ready for anything to happen.
“Nothing really changes with how we want to play, the same mantra, same philosophy will apply.
“We won’t be coming in and looking to change the wheel, we’ve had good discussions with Neil and the team, and we want to try and carry on what has been happening. The team are on a very good run and we want that to continue.”
Holdsworth made over 200 appearances for Huddersfield in a playing career spanning 14 years, also representing Oldham, Morecambe, Alfreton and Guiseley, before heading into coaching with Barnsley’s academy.
On stepping up to first team duty this weekend, he continued:
“This really is a fantastic club and it’s an exciting opportunity. It has come in a manner that is not ideal but it will be a great experience for us that are involved.
“When you play the game and then go into coaching, you want to be at the highest level you can, of course you do.
“So it’s an excellent opportunity to understand what it’s all about and learn from it.
“But the be-all-and-end-all is getting in the hat for the next round and for us to have a battle.
“You always should expect a tough game in the FA Cup when you’re away against a side below you in the pyramid.
“This game will be no different, it will be a battle but there is a good confidence here and that comes from winning games.”