Billy Mitchell reveals how he felt after speaking with Sheffield Wednesday owner David Storch | OneFootball

Sheffield Wednesday's latest signing has opened up on how influential discussions with David Storch proved to be in his decision to join the Owls

Sheffield Wednesday have unveiled ex-Millwall midfielder Billy Mitchell as their eighth signing of what is shaping up to represent an extremely busy summer of activity at Hillsborough.

The Owls' hotly-anticipated new era under the ownership of David Storch following Arise Capital Partners' eventual takeover of the club in May is now beginning to take shape as the 2026/27 League One campaign nears, and supporters are growing increasingly optimistic as a result.

Wednesday were always poised to undertake a significant squad rebuilding process to hit the reset button and dust off the cobwebs after last season's nightmareish fortunes both on and off-the-pitch, with no shortage of acquisitions arriving to bolster what had been a depleted and threadbare squad prior to the window's commencement.

That's why Mitchell has joined a glut of new signings in heading to the blue-and-white quarters of the Steel City this summer, with the likes of Louie Barry, Harry Gray and Callum Slattery all arriving alongside the much-welcomed return of Owls legend Barry Bannan off the back of a brief stint with Millwall.

The 25-year-old, as it goes, represents the club's second midfield capture from last season's Championship play-off semi-finalists, and he has explained how he felt after engaging in discussions with both Storch and Bannan.

Billy Mitchell opens up on David Storch role in Sheffield Wednesday transfer

Mitchell saw his transfer to Sheffield Wednesday arrive at completion over the weekend when he put pen-to-paper on a three-year deal with the Owls, having spent the entirety of his career to date with Millwall.

Action images

The defensive midfielder racked up 196 appearances at the Den across all competitions and will strengthen Henrik Pedersen's side with years of Championship experience and know-how, leaving Wednesdayites to thank Storch and even Bannan for their respective roles in brokering the deal.

Speaking to Wednesday's media team during his first training session with the Owls, Mitchell was asked to explain his reasoning for joining the League One outfit ahead of other clubs at the expiration of his contract with Millwall.

Despite having been of interest to Watford, which was exclusively revealed by Football League World alongside Mitchell's decision to reject the offer of a new contract, the Lions academy product detailed how he was ultimately won over by Storch's ideas and visions for the club's immediate and longer-term progression after meeting the popular Wednesday owner.

Mitchell also noted that Bannan decided to put in a good word, with numerous figures helping the move to go through behind-the-scenes.

When asked what made Wednesday his preferred destination, Mitchell stated: "A lot of things, to be honest.

"I spoke to a few clubs but the people here, everyone seemed like they were really on it.

"I think in general, the club seems to have turned a corner with the new ownership. I spoke to the owner and I really liked his ideas and the way he saw the club progressing while doing it with a smile on our faces and coming in to work everyday and having a good time.

"That's something that really enticed me. Obviously Sheffield Wednesday is a massive club, everyone knows that, getting to play at Hillsborough infront of all the fans is going to be incredible and Baz (Barry Bannan) put in a good word.

"A lot of the lads I've played against over the years too, it was a combination of things.

"It's always nice to see a familiar face and for him to put in a good word for me, it just helps you settle a bit easier. He's obviously a club legend and has said many good things about the team, I was also speaking to Massimo Luongo when he was at Millwall and he said I'd enjoy it so I'm just looking forward to getting to experience more of it by the day."

Sheffield Wednesday have clear David Storch transfer advantage

There's a palpable feel-good factor surrounding Sheffield Wednesday at long last, which has been generated through Storch, his purchase, his vision for the club and engagement with supporters and players alike since getting that deal over the line.

The Storch project is a promising one indeed, encompassing sweeping changes both on and away from the field ahead of what could be a richly excting one for the Owls.

Wednesday, then, will hope that clear factor continues to give them a meaningful advantage in the remainder of the window as the club's key decision-makers continue to make moves happen before the season starts, with many more additions still likely to follow those who have already arrived.