Owls swoop for Gardner

Anthony Gardner: Has joined Sheffield Wednesday on two-year deal

Sheffield Wednesday have secured the signing of Crystal Palace defender Anthony Gardner on a two-year deal.

The former Tottenham and Hull centre-back, capped once by England in a 2004 friendly against Sweden, spent the past two seasons at Selhurst Park, where he was out of contract.

"This is a great move for me," said Gardner.

"I am really impressed with the ambition of the manager and the chairman and, as everyone knows, Sheffield Wednesday have a huge fan base.

Ambition

"The club has the ambition and the drive to succeed and that is what has attracted me to Hillsborough.

"I have played a lot of my career in the Premier League and that is where I want to return to. I have no intention of coming to a club that is just out to consolidate in the Championship. I want to succeed and that is why I have come to Sheffield Wednesday."

Owls boss Dave Jones added: "I am really pleased to bring a player of Anthony's calibre to the club. It has taken a little longer than anticipated because of circumstances - he was away while I was away and vice versa but I kept in contact with him throughout that time.

"He gave me his word and he stuck to it. Anthony is a quality player and a leader, with Championship and Premier League pedigree. He will help take Sheffield Wednesday forward."