One in, one out at Owls

Beswetherick: A stalwart of Plymouth's success

Sheffield Wednesday boss Terry Yorath has begun his close-season rebuilding process by recruiting defender Jon Beswetherick and releasing Steve Harkness.

Beswetherick, 24, has joined the Owls on a two-year deal after his contract with Plymouth expired.

The left-back was an integral part of the Pilgrims' runaway Third Division Championship success last term and has made over 150 appearances in four seasons at Home Park.

Yorath was delighted to snap up the Liverpool-born defender and said: "Jon's a talented young player who we were watching for most of last season."

But the Owls have terminated the contract of former Liverpool defender Harkness.

The 30-year-old has been told to leave after making 32 appearances for the club since signing from Blackburn in a £200,000 deal two years ago.

"The club thanks Steve for his contribution over the past two seasons and wishes him well for the future," said a club spokesman.

Harkness joins a growing list of free agents this summer as Nationwide League clubs tighten their belts in the wake of ITV Digital's collapse.