Steve Bruce has admitted that bringing in some quality out wide for Sheffield Wednesday will be a priority for him this summer, although he suggested fans may need patience as they look to secure deals.

The experienced boss took over at Hillsborough in February and has immediately transformed the mood around the club, with the team enjoying a strong end to the campaign.

And, plans are already underway for next season, with the Owls releasing six senior players after the season had finished.

Two of those to move on were George Boyd and Marco Matias, whilst Rolando Aarons returned to Newcastle after a loan spell, so Bruce told the Sheffield Star that replacing them will be important.

"I believe the time is right that we have a freshness and a younger element to us. It's time to have a freshness about us and a bit more legs, certainly in the wide areas, and I look forward to achieving that."

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However, he insisted nothing is in the pipeline and warned fans it will be a 'long and difficult summer ahead' as he target six new arrivals.

"In an ideal world, you would love to get them (new signings) in to start pre-season but in reality I don’t think that is going to happen. We have got one or two things in the fire already so it’s a long and difficult summer ahead."

The Verdict

Most fans will agree with Bruce's assessment here and they know that a bit of pace and energy is needed in the side as they look to improve their options in the final third.

But, we all know the FFP issues Wednesday face so it may be a case of wheeling and dealing and seeing who he can attract.

Either way, the manager knows the league and what's required so he should be trusted to bring in the right players.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.