Wilkinson returns as Owls chairman

Howard Wilkinson has been appointed interim chairman of Sheffield Wednesday following Lee Strafford's resignation.

Strafford has quit his post of chairman with immediate effect and former Owls manager Wilkinson will serve as a temporary replacement until August 7.

Wilkinson said: "I would like to thank Lee for all his work over the past 18 months. He's a true fan of Sheffield Wednesday and his efforts towards rebuilding this club should not be forgotten."

Wilkinson added: "It is an honour for me to become chairman, albeit I stress that this will only be on an interim basis.

"My focus now is on working with (manager) Alan Irvine to build a strong team and one that is capable of achieving promotion back to the Championship as soon as possible.

"It has been a tough few weeks for everybody who cares about Sheffield Wednesday but, by working together, we must try to ensure that we're able to look forward to a brighter season ahead."

Wednesday, relegated to Coca-Cola League One for the second time in five years following their 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace on the final day of the season, are currently in talks with two separate potential investment groups.

The club, still burdened with debts of around £26million, last week rejected a proposal from Chicago-based Club 9 Sports over a potential investment they claimed was "at a significantly lower level than had previously been agreed by all parties".

Strafford, initially appointed to the Owls board in December 2008, became chairman in January 2009 when Nick Parker was also named chief executive. The pair led the club's off-field restructuring and proactively sought investment for the club.

Strafford said in a statement: "I'm proud of what we have achieved in terms of completely revitalising all of the off-field activities of the club."