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Steve Bruce targets further additions after deals for Aston Villa pair, confirms Amadeu Paixao remains at Sheffield Wednesday

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The Sheffield Wednesday manager has raided his old club, Aston Villa, this week.

Sheffield Wednesday manager Steve Bruce

Steve Bruce claimed Dejpon Chansiri has bought into his plans to revamp Sheffield Wednesday’s recruitment team, after confirming the arrivals of David Downes and Dean Hughes from Aston Villa.

Downes (head of recruitment) and Hughes (recruitment analyst) moved to Wednesday earlier this week, having worked under Bruce at Villa Park.

But the Owls boss has revealed he is not quite finished yet.

“It’s something the chairman (Chansiri) has bought into,” Bruce told Sheffield Wednesday’s official Facebook page. “By the end of the season we hope to have four or five (more recruitment staff) on the road – and I only keep four or five, I’d rather work with a small number than have hundreds.”

Wednesday’s recent on- and off-field struggles have been blamed by many on poor recruitment – and in particular, Amadeu Paixao.

Paixao is understood to be one of Chansiri’s closest advisers, although the Thai has previously distanced himself from Paixao when questioned about the Portuguese’s involvement.

But Bruce confirmed earlier: “Look, he (Paixao) is part of the club. He’s part of the structure of the club – and if he can help us with someone…

Sheffield Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri prior to the the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield Wednesday and Preston North End at Hillsborough Stadium on December 22, 2018 in...

“But I think he’s aware too that you can’t know every player in the world – no matter how good you are.

“And I think he’ll benefit from it too. We’ll work together with it. He is part of the fabric of the club – there’s no denying that. And if he can help us then great. The more eyes and ears you have the better.”

Downes was promoted by Bruce from his academy role at Aston Villa, while Hughes was also part of the 58-year-old’s Hull City team.

Will the former Aston Villa pair prove good additions for Sheffield Wednesday?