Sheffield United manager Bryan Robson has confirmed he nearly became Wednesday's boss following Paul Sturrock's sacking in October 2006.
The former England captain was short-listed for the post 14 months ago and even met with the then chairman David Allen about joining the Hillsborough outfit.
However, Robson, who is now at the helm at Bramall Lane, felt the club's precarious financial position would have left any manager fire-fighting rather than building for the future.
Challenge
"I had an interview with the chairman, but it wasn't the challenge that I wanted at that time," confirmed Robson to the Yorkshire Post.
"I would much sooner be manager of this club than Sheffield Wednesday because of the structure of the clubs at this moment in time.
"I wouldn't say this is a bigger club. But it is a more sound club because of all the problems that Sheffield Wednesday have got. This club gives you a better chance of building something.
"Sheffield Wednesday is going to take a lot of rebuilding and it is going to go take time because of their financial problems."
