This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk‘ series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… Sheffield Wednesday have secured the double signing of Rotherham United's Michael Smith and Michael Ihiekwe. Both signings were announced late last night, and followed the arrival of Cardiff City midfielder Will Vaulks earlier in the day. The Owls look to be building a seriously strong squad at this level of football, and will now surely be targeting automatic promotion next campaign. With that being said, we asked our Sheffield Wednesday fan pundit James Mappin for his thoughts on the Owls' double raid on the Millers. "It's amazing really, we've raided Rotherham United and signed two of arguably their best players. You know, they've gone up to the Championship and clearly the money talks and obviously they're happy to stay in League One." James told FLW. "Michael Smith first and foremost. Numbers speak for themselves. I'm not too sure what sort of style a play we're gonna play. Rotherham liked to play a little bit more direct with him being the target man. Only time will tell to see what will happen there. "But yeah, looking his numbers. I think over over 25, 26, goal contributions, last season, 19 goals in the league, you know, that's more goals than the Lee Gregory managed. "So, yeah, if they can strike a partnership together those two, I think it'll be fantastic and it's just just great to see we've got the pulling power and to be building what I think now is one of the best squads in League One."

James continued: "As for Michael Ihiekwe again you know League One team of the season. We needed centre backs. We only had one recognised centre back at the end of last season after we let everyone go so to bring someone in with the quality that Michael Ihiekwe has got is just great to see." "Obviously he knows Michael Smith, he'll know Vaulks as well possibly. I think I think they played in the same squad. "But no, it's two fantastic signings, five signings already and I can't wait for the season to get going really."

The Verdict

It's hard to say this is anything other than superb business by Sheffield Wednesday. As our fan pundit points out, to be able to lure two players away from a club that just won promotion speaks testament to the pulling power and size of the club. These signings, along with Will Vaulks and others, surely make the Owls the hot favourites for automatic promotion next season. Indeed, Darren Moore's side will not be happy with another trip the play-offs with the quality of the squad that they currently seem to be building.