A former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder has left his Championship position to take his first step into senior coaching with an EFL club.

Between 2008 and 2011, Darren Potter made 106 appearances for the Owls, initially signing on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers. He later became a club legend at MK Dons, and he also played for Rotherham United and Tranmere Rovers before joining Altrincham in non-league football. He played his final game in 2020.

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The 40-year-old Republic of Ireland international, who has five caps, is now a well-respected coach who will take over as under-15 coach at Stoke City in 2022. He progressed through the ranks at Stoke before being announced as a first-team coach at MK Dons.

He joins manager Paul Warne, who is familiar to Wednesday fans from his time with neighbours Rotherham United. Potter spent two years at the New York Stadium under Warne and his assistant, Richie Barker.

In an MK Dons statement, former Owls player Potter said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be here! I’m already familiar with the surroundings and facilities, which is always helpful. I can’t wait to meet all of the players during preseason and get right to work.

“Being here as a player, I understand and share the club’s ambition; there is so much potential here, and I’m excited to be a part of it again, albeit in a different capacity! I’ve previously played for Paul Warne, and I enjoyed my time with him; he’s an excellent coach, and I’m excited to be working with him and Richie at Stadium MK. “We’re all looking forward to the future here.”

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