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David Hirst expects Sheffield Wednesday to splash the cash this summer

Sheffield Wednesday player David Hirst celebrates with fans after beating Chelsea in the Rumbelows League Cup semi final second leg at Hillsbrough
Image: David Hirst: Hoping the good times are coming back to Hillsborough

Sheffield Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri can steer the club back to the Premier League but "will need a large cheque book", says former striker David Hirst.

Hirst, who played in the top flight with Wednesday and Southampton, shares the current optimism among Owls fans that multi-millionaire Thai owner Chansiri will deliver on the promise he made after completing his club takeover in January.

"He wants Premier League in two seasons," Hirst said. "It's attainable, but finances will dictate that.

"If he's serious he will have to spend a lot of money this summer.

"How much he spends and on what will answer a few questions.

"Will he spend his money on the stadium, the academy and training facilities or the first team, or all of them?

"Mr Chansiri will need a large cheque book."

Hirst welcomed Chansiri's recent appointment of Adam Pearson and Glenn Roeder as sporting directors to work alongside head coach Stuart Gray.

"Both have done well in the game," Hirst added. "Adam had great success at Hull and Glenn has been in the game a long time and has earned a good reputation.

"Whether they can all form a good working relationship is a question we cannot answer until they kick-off next season.

"But the fans can be optimistic. If Chansiri is making that sort of decision, bringing in all that football knowledge, it's going in the right direction.

"Stuart I do know well. I played alongside Stuart at Barnsley and he's done a fantastic job this season.

"For me he's the right man for the job. I get to speak to him and Bully (coach Lee Bullen) around the ground.

"They know what it takes and if they get the backing we hope they get and use it wisely, the club has a great chance."

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