The Owls kick off a new Hillsborough era against Charlton tomorrow with manager Brian Laws parading a second midfield signing in Darren Potter, the former Liverpool player on loan from Wolves until the end of the season.

And Strafford, whose first home game at the helm is also the first Championship fixture at Hillsborough in 2009, is convinced a freshening of the atmosphere around the club can re-invigorate the team as well as the fans.

The communications entrepreneur, outlining his aims in tomorrow's match programme, will tell supporters that he is 'on track' to secure new investment.

Strafford also writes: "I have been impressed with the way the manager and players have reacted to recent changes. Brian Laws has done a fantastic job and the board will continue to fully support him as we move forward.

"We all know about the destructive politics that have surrounded the club in recent years and there is no doubt in my ind that it has affected what has happened on the pitch. My message to everybody associated with this great club is that we must now put all of that behind us and move forward."

Hillsborough's new chief summaries his priorities as:

lBringing the Sheffield Wednesday family back together and creating a strong bond.

lBalancing the interests of all our key stakeholders - shareholders, staff and supporters.

lProviding the vision and leadership that team Sheffield Wednesday needs to maximise its potential."

He insists: "As a committed Owls fan I do not take this position or the challenges it brings lightly. Nick Parker, our new chief executive, and I have been working hard behind the scenes for a few months already but now that we are officially in place, we can effect positive changes that will lead to imrovements at all levels for this club.

"Our aim is straightforward; to deliver a solid platform for the development and future success of Sheffield Wednesday.

"Our business plan has attacted a high level of interest from potential investors, both locally and abroad. We remain on track to secure new funds for the club in the medium and long term."

Strafford also pledges to keep matchday prices as low as possible amid a range of attendance incentives that should be reflected in the size of tomorrow's gate.

Meanwhile, Laws has added 24-year-old Republic of Ireland capture Potter to his recruitment of Michael Gray, also from Molineux. He will follow up with an attempt to keep Lewis Buxton who makes his final appearance on loan tomorrow.

I believe Laws has also pondered bringing back Alan Quinn from Ipswich, from where he could be on the move after a four-year spell with Sheffield United. Although any designs on Quinn could be shelved now that Potter has been signed - more arrivals are likely to depend on players leaving - Wednesday's new regime are clearly intent on marrying the best of the past with the future.


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