WHILE Brian Laws is congratulating himself on landing Francis Jeffers, Blues boss Jim Magilton is consoling himself that he has brought in three players instead.

By Derek Davis

WHILE Brian Laws is congratulating himself on landing Francis Jeffers, Blues boss Jim Magilton is consoling himself that he has brought in three players instead.

While Magilton insists he would have tried to get Pablo Counago, Tommy Miller and Neil Alexander as well as Jeffers, he is philosophical about missing out on the striker who has signed a three-year deal on around £10,000-a-week at Hillsborough.

Magilton said: “We did say Franny would be here for the first game of the season but maybe not for the opposition.

“I was disappointed at the time when he turned us down but we have moved on since then. He did great for us and we would have liked him but it wasn't to be and that's football. We wish him all the best.

“We made him a very generous offer but obviously not enough to tempt him to uproot his family and move to East Anglia.

“For what we would have had to pay Franny on his contract, we got three very good players in. I'm delighted with the three I have and would have pushed to get them in even if we had got Jeffers.”

Even without the extra spice of Jeffers making his debut today for the opposition, Town are seeking revenge after losing twice against the Owls last year.

Magilton said: “They did the double over us last year so we owe them one. I expect Wednesday to be a well organised side and Franny will give them a boost.”

If Jeffers is deemed not quite ready for a start, then Leon Clarke, a £250,000 signing from Wolves, will probably partner Marcus Tudgay upfront.

Unsettled Northern Ireland wide man Chris Brunt is determined to make the most of the only piece of action he will see this month as he is suspended for the next three matches. Brunt is a West Brom target, with Fulham already failing in their bid to sign him.

A big factor in Wednesday good run was loan keeper Iain Turner, whose subsequent recall to Everton also contributed to Wednesday not making the play-offs.

Owls boss Brian Laws brought in Lee Grant from derby as his No.1, while defender Steve Watson from West Brom has also helped strengthen at the back and Scunthorpe's Richard Hinds is an addition who can play midfield or at the back.

Youngster Robert Burch brought in from Spurs has also added to a squad that lost eight first teamers in the summer.