Wilkinson led Wednesday to promotion to the top flight in 1984

Sheffield Wednesday director Howard Wilkinson has stepped down from the board at Hillsborough.

The 67-year-old became chairman last May and stayed on the board after Milan Mandaric's takeover in December.

Wilkinson told the club website: "I feel that we have achieved the twin objectives of finding a new owner and successfully managing the transition.

"I will continue to assist the club in efforts to re-establish itself as a major player in English football."

Wilkinson was appointed chairman when Lee Strafford stepped down after the Owls' relegation to League One.

Howard will remain everyone's friend at the club and he will always be welcome at Hillsborough Milan Mandaric

Mandaric added: "As he said right from the beginning, Howard has always had the best interests of Sheffield Wednesday at heart.

"I fully respect his decision to stand down as director and I thank him for helping to keep the club together when it really needed that support.

"Howard's input has been very important since I bought Sheffield Wednesday. Myself, Paul Aldridge and all the fans are very grateful for the time he has committed to the club.

"The transition process in now complete and we will continue to try our very best to take Sheffield Wednesday forward, and back where it belongs.

"Howard will remain everyone's friend at the club and he will always be welcome at Hillsborough."

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