Owls land two

Friday, 13/01/2012

by Daniel Allen, Shoot's Sheffield Wednesday blogger

Sheffield Wednesday have made it two signings in 48 hours after capturing defender Miguel Llera and winger Mike Jones on permanent deals.

Llera is a familiar figure with Owls fans after joining on loan from Blackpool in November, and having won all three games in which the Spaniard featured, Gary Megson wasted no time in securing the towering centre half.  The 32 year-old joins on a free transfer until the summer of 2013.

Mike Jones arrives at Hillsborough following three impressive years at Bury, in which the Birkenhead product played an instrumental role in the club’s elevation to the third tier. The speedy wideman has penned a two-year deal with the Owls after they triggered a release clause in his Bury contract, allowing him to leave for £100,000.

The deal also sees Giles Coke return to Gigg Lane on loan until the end of the season. Coke, who has failed to start a League game for the Owls this season, impressed during his previous stay with the Shakers and it appears that his long term future now lies away from Hillsborough.

The capture of Llera has come as no surprise to Wednesdayites given his brief yet impressive stay with the Owls so far. Strong, tall and a threat in both boxes, the Spaniard has shown glimpses of his native country’s reputation for great technical ability with some flamboyant distribution from the back. He will be a direct replacement for Mark Beevers who’s departure appears to be inevitable after finding himself surplus to requirements.

Jones is somewhat of an unknown quantity away from Gigg Lane, where he was a fans’ favourite.  Technical ability, speed and a direct style are just three qualities attributed to the 24-year-old and he will now get to showcase his talent on a bigger stage.

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