Sheffield Wednesday: Legends

In this feature I take a look at some of the greats, the legends of Sheffield Wednesday! There maybe a few controversial names included and some that I no doubt missed out - but is YOUR favourite Wednesday hero listed? Take a look! If he is missing, let me know and i will be sure to add him to 'Sheffield Wednesday: Legends'

Peter Atherton (1994-2000)

As a defender / midfield utility player, Atherton was a mainstay in the Wednesday team and is rightfully classed as a legend of the club. He signed from Coventry City on the 3rd June 1994 for £800,000 and was signed as a direct replacement for Roland Nilsson. During the 90's Peter was used in positions such as central defence, right back and a deep lying defensive midfielder. In the latter of these roles, Atherton went on to captain the Owls. Relegation from the Premier League saw his departure as he stayed in England's elite league with Bradford City (Bosman free transfer).

Chris Bart-Williams (1991-1995)

Signing from Leyton Orient on the 15th November 91' for £575,000 by Trevor Francis, Bart-Williams played in midfield for the Owls. 'Bartman' was an outstanding passer of the ball and was sometimes utilised in attack (even scoring a hat-trick in a 5-2 win over Southampton). He was in the team that reached both domestic cup finals in 93. When his transfer away from the club materialised it was to Nottingham Forest and as the clubs couldn't agree a fee, Wednesday received one of the highest ever tribunal fees for the move.

Andy Booth (1996-2001)

Purchased from Huddersfield Town by David Pleat for £2.7m, Booth was a player that was seen as a goal threat but never really hit the highs in the goal-scoring charts. His debut season provided 13 goals for the club but this was to be as good as it got. Injuries and a drastic loss in form resulted in Booth being loaned to Tottenham Hotspur and subsequently sold back to Huddersfield for £175,000 in 2001.

Mark Bright (1992-1997)

Arriving on the 11th September from Crystal Palace for £875,000 'Brighty' was to be a consistent goalscorer for Wednesday, leading the goal-scoring tally for four consecutive seasons. With John Sheridan and the majestic Chris Waddle serving as his midfield assistants, there was no surprise Mark regularly hit the back of the net. He was old to Charlton Athletic (via a monumental mistake by FC Sion not paying for the player) in 1997.

Lee Bullen (2004-2008)

Signed on a free transfer from Dunfermline Athletic on 24th May the versatile defender will be put in many 'Wednesday Legends' lists for his sheer determination. He played in all 11 positions for the Owls at some stage of his 4yr career at Hillsborough (even keeping a clean sheet in goal at Millwall 2006 for SWFC to record a 0-1 win!). He made 134 league appearences for Wednesday, culminating in captaining the side to a 4-2 play-off final win over Hartlepool in 2005 in front of 40'000 fans. After his release by the club 'Bully' returned to the club and now coaches the youth team.

Benito Carbone (1996-1999)

The work-rate and determination of the 'big money signing' (£3m from Inter Milan) was something Owls fans were not expecting straight away from the flair forward but is exactly what 'Benny' produced weekly. Known for his long-range goals and partnership with compatriot Paulo Di Canio, Carbone went on to win a place in all Wednesdayite's hearts. A spectacular fall-from-grace in 99' saw him refuse to be a substitute at Southampton, which saw him return to Italy (straight from St Marys!) and lead to a split from SWFC, being sold to Aston Villa for a meagre £250,000.

Lee Chapman (1984-1988)

The 6ft 2in forward was a regular mainly for his aerial ability, suiting Wednesdays direct style of play at the time. His whole-hearted displays saw him become a fan favourite and his goal return started to blossom scoring 62 goals in 149 league appearances. After resurrecting Chapmans career, Wednesday were stunned when he rejected a new contract at the club to ultimately leave for Nottingham Forest (via Niort in the French league who didn't pay the tribunal fee so never actually signed Chapman).

Thomas Crawshaw (1894-1908)

Arguably Wednesdays greatest ever captain, 'Tommy' twice won the FA Cup whilst playing as a defender for the club. Sheffield-born Crawshaw was a pacey, powerful no-nonsense player that also lead the club to the Second Division league title in 1900 and consecutive First Division crowns in the early part of the 20th Century. In 1907 he then went on to captain Wednesday to the Cup Final, winning Everton, at the age of 36.

Edward Curran (1979-1982)

A fee of £85,000 saw 'Terry' sign from Southampton on the 29th March 1979. Widely regarded as one of the most flamboyant players to ever represent the club, Curran was a huge fans favourite at Wednesday and his spectacular strike in the Steel City Derby cemented his place as a cult hero. After a fall out with manager Jack Charlton, Curran allowed his contract to run out and after leaving Hillsborough, the fans hero signed for the red and white team in the city!

Paulo Di Canio (1997-1999)

The fiery Italian was a hit with Wednesday fans for his amazing talent, his 'magical feet' leaving defenders startled. Coupled with this talent was his temperament and his notorious outbursts. £4.5m (SWFC's record purchase) saw Celtic part company with him because of this temperament and Benito Carbone had a fellow countryman as his strike partner. Sublime performances followed and another fan favourite was made. Probably the most remembered action (sadly) of his was the infamous push on a referee, Paul Alcock, at Arsenal, which led to a 10 match ban and a £10,000 fine. Di Canio refused to return from Italy once the ban had ended and was subsequently sold to West Ham United for £2m in a quick-sale knockdown transfer.

Derek Dooley MBE (1947-1953)

After a disappointing debut in October, Dooley went on to score an astonishing 47 goals in 31 games - making him the talk of the country and setting a club record that will more than likely never be beaten. Able to score with his left or right foot, from all angles made Dooley a phenomenon and cult hero at Hillsborough and the whole nation, with defenders up and down the country terrorised by the Wednesday legend. However, on the 14th February 1953, the career of the 24 year old was stopped in horrible fashion. A clash with Preston goalkeeper George Thompson broke his leg which saw him taken to hospital. There, a gash on his leg became infected and the nations football fans were stunned when Dooleys leg was amputated to save the centre forwards life.

Alan Finney (1950-1966)

Only one of three players to appear for the club over 500 times, right winger Finney was a quick and tricky winger. Signed from Armthorpe Youth Club for £50 he went on to play in the very first England U23 international and was an ever present for Wednesday at home and in Europe. He was sold to Doncaster Rovers on the 13th January for £3,500.

John Harkes (1990-93)

What is a legends list without one of the most popular players to wear the blue & white in recent years? The USA international defender/midfielder was somewhat unknown when Ron Atkinson brought him back after an indifferent trial but when fellow legend Roland Nilsson picked up a long-term injury, Harkes was thrown into defence and excelled. Hard work and commitment endeared the New Jersey native to Owls fans and he became the first US national to appear in a domestic Cup final and later, the first to score (vs Arsenal 93'). After helping Wednesday in the UEFA Cup he wanted a new experience and after rejecting 2 offers, joined Derby County for £800'00 in August 93. He later admitted his biggest mistake was to leave the Owls.

David Hirst (1986-1997)

Spending 11 years at Sheffield Wednesday, David Hirst is rightfully classed as one of the legends. Signing from Barnsley FC for £300,000 as an 18 year old - the lightening fast forward made 294 league appearances scoring 106 goals. With the exceptional form shown by 'Hirsty' it was no surprise when England came calling, afterwards SWFC turned down a club record bid from Manchester United for the hit-man. As much as the goals were flowing, seasons were interrupted by injury and that became his downfall, ultimately allowing Hirst to move to Southampton for £2m.

Michael Lyons 1982-85)

Liverpudlian defender Lyons was an inspirational signing by Jack Charlton when he paid Everton £80,000 in June 1982. After helping achieve promotion from Div 2 and then consolidate in the top-flight, the combative defender had already won over Owls fans through his fierce competitiveness before he left to become player/manager at Grimsby Town after 164 appearances. As Russell Wright mentions in the comments below, Lyons needed stitches during a match with Liverpool but the determination of the player saw him take to the field and compete for the rest of the match.

Donald Megson (1953-1970)

Arguably the best full back to represent Wednesday, Megson was signed as an amateur in 1952. He waited over 7 years to represent the Owls at senior level but made an impact and quickly became first choice. His no-nonsense approach and ability to distribute an accurate ball up field made the fans take notice and he quickly became a hero for the watching crowds. He made history by leading his defeated FA Cup final team on a lap of honour around the Wembley pitch - the first ever captain to do so.

Gary Megson (1981-84 & 1985-89)

A fee of £108,500 to Everton saw Gary Megson sign for Wednesday and follow in his fathers footsteps, in 1981. His first period at the club saw him miss only 3 games and the energetic midfielder was to command the Wednesday engine room. In 1984 the Owls achieved promotion but Megson decided against staying with the Owls, instead moving to Nottingham Forest for £170,000. After failure at Forest and a brief resurrection at Newcastle, Sheffield Wednesday paid £60,000 to bring Gary back to Hillsborough. It was then that he again commanded a regular starting place under Howard Wilkinson. A very public fall out with new manager Peter Eustace saw Megson depart again, to Manchester City for £250k in 1989.

Roland Nilsson (1989-1994)

Swedish right-back Nilsson went on to become one of Wednesdays most popular players ever in his 5 year stint at Hillsborough. Signed from IFK Gothenburg for £375,000 on the 5th December, the ultra-fit defender was known for his impeccable timing, tremendous tackling and eye for a pass. He quickly established himself as one of the finest defensive players in the English game, leading to him becoming another cult hero. After playing for Sweden in 1993 and 24-hours later turned out for the Owls in the FA Cup Final replay, he was named as the best professional Ron Atkinson had ever worked with. His sublime display in the 1991 League Cup Final win over Manchester United was one of many highlights.

Carlton Palmer (1989-94 & 2001)

Standing at 6ft 2inches tall, the lanky midfielder was signed from West Bromwich Albion on the 22nd February 1989 for £750,000. The box-to-box non-stop running of Palmer endeared him to many Wednesdayite's as his tireless performances in midfield with John Sheridan was a vital cog in the successful Owls teams of the early 90's. Recognised by the England setup during his time at Wednesday, Palmer went on to represent England at senior level 18 times. After falling out with boss Trevor Francis, Carlton was sold to Leeds United for £2.75m in 1994. He later returned in 2001, on a free transfer after a loan spell from Coventry - helping the Owls avoid relegation from the First Division (Championship).

Nigel Pearson (1987-1994)

The defender became an icon at Hillsborough during his time there and his lifting of the League Cup trophy in 1991 was the pinnacle, after being named Man of the Match. He contributed 12 goals from defence in that season and commanded a strong Wednesday back line. Leg fractures meant him missing the cup finals of 93' and it was a leg break in September 93 that saw his Owls career halt. A move to Middlesbrough for £500k soon followed.

Kevin Pressman (1985-2004)

Rising quickly through the ranks was an outstanding goalkeeper that went on to become every fans favourite, Kevin Pressman. The fantastic shot-stopper suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury which forced Wednesday to replace him with England keeper Chris Woods but the defiant Pressman fought back from injury and reclaimed the number 1 jersey, winning an England call up in the process. Making well over 400 appearances he commands a place in all Wednesdayites hearts.

John Sheridan (1989-1996)

£500,000 to Nottingham Forest in return for this legend was a shrewd move for Wednesday, as Sheridan went on to become one of the most popular player to ever wear the famous blue and white. As a stylish centre midfielder, John could could turn and pick a pass at a moments notice and his incredible vision was to setup a career as one of the best midfielders of the 90's. His goal in the 1991 League Cup Final was enough for SWFC to triumph over Man Utd at Wembley. Bolton Wanderers paid £225,000 to take Sheridan away from 'home' in 1996.

Peter Shirtliff (1978-86 & 1989-93)

Chapletown native defender Shirtliff graduated through the Wednesday ranks and became one of the most popular players for his consistant performances on the field. Making over 350 senior appearances for the Owls, Peters name is synonymous with the club he supported. After a brief departure to Charlton Athletic (for £125k), he returned to Hillsborough for a fee of around £500,000 and he became a first choice with Nigel Pearson in the Owls defence - appearing in promotion the promotion team and the Wembley League Cup victory, as well as the European adventure 12 months later. After an injury plagued season, Shirtliff signed for Wolverhampton Wanderers for £250k.

Frederick Spiksley (1891-1904)

Gainsborough born winger Spiksley was signed from his local team - Gainsborough Trinity in 1891 and went on to represent the Owls on 321 occasions. Having been on his way to sign for Accrington, Fred found himself stranded in Sheffield and bumped into Wednesday player Fred Thompson - after a talk in a nearby hotel, Spiksley decided to sign for the Owls instead for a wage & job at the Sheffield Telegraph. It was whilst at Wednesday he gained international recognition - representing England 7 times. The nimble-footed, lightening-paced, sharpshooting winger was an ever-present for nearly 12 seasons and was a double goalscorer when Wednesday won the FA Cup Final for the first time in 1896. After injury ended his Owls career, Fred moved into coaching which saw him manage worldwide (including Barcelona!)

   

Ronald Springett (1958-1967)

Relatively short for a goalkeeper, standing at 5ft 10in, Springett was signed from QPR for £10,000. This man would arguably take the 'legends #1 jersey' in the majority of Wednesday Legends XI. His agility, bravery and reflexes were exceptional and during his time with the Owls, Ron went on to be the undisputed goalkeeper for England. Such highly rated by SWFC was Springett, that they allowed him to train in London with his brother at QPR and commute to Sheffield for matches! His 33 caps for England is a record for any player whilst playing for Wednesday. In 1967, Sheffield Wednesdays greatest ever goalkeeper was sold back to QPR for £16,000. His younger brother, Peter moved in the opposite direction.

Melvyn Sterland (1979-1989)

Another player that became a hero after progressing through the ranks at Hillsborough is Mel Sterland. A converted full back, from forward, player that became a rock in the back-line of the 80's. Whilst with Wednesday he went on to successfully play for England in the U21 European Championship winning team of 1984. He went on to represent England at senior level - the first Owls player to do so since Ron Springett. His time in S6 came to a controversial end when manager, Peter Eustace stripped the captaincy from Sterland and the heartbroken player requested a transfer away from his beloved Owls. He was sold to Glasgow Rangers for £800,000.

Christopher Waddle (1992-1996)

The only time a Wednesday player has been voted 'Football Writers Player of the Year' was in 1992, the debut season of the mercurial Chris Waddle. Signed for £1m from Olympic Marseille, the wing wizard frequently had Wednesday fans 'walking in a Waddle wonderland' with his masterclass displays. He amassed 147 appearances for Wednesday and during his Hillsborough stay there was national call for him to be recalled to the England setup. He ran his contract down and subsequently signed a shock free transfer to Falkirk.

Desmond Walker (1993-2001)

The 5ft 11in centre-half is an example of excellence for Sheffield Wednesday, signed for £2.75m from Sampdoria. Walker was one of the most outstanding defenders of his generation and a rock in the centre of Wednesdays defence. With his lightening quick pace he quickly turned defence to attack and the ever-present chant of 'YOU'LL NEVER BEAT DES WALKER' installed the tough-tackling ace to the legends list. The financial plight of relegation claimed the contract of the Owls' hero and he was subsequently released from his contract.

Thomas Walker (1926-1937)

Right full-back 'Tommy' Walker was signed from Bradford City in 1926 for a fee believed to be £1,900. His earlier life in Scotland (as a miner/footballer) was a tough one and he was no doubt glad to move south of the border after a mining incident left him crawling out of a collapsed shaft - almost killing him. After signing for Wednesday he went straight into the starting line-up and the Owls won back to back league titles. His ability to out-pace even the quickest wingers saw him a constant threat and assisted goals galore for Wednesday. After a fall out with the manager, Walker was moved onto the coaching staff in April 1936, where he stayed until 1967 - amassing an amazing 41 years at the club. As a thank-you to Thomas, when he left the club he was given an Owls' owned house to live in.

Paul Warhurst (1991-1993)

The defender-come-striker was a hit at Hillsborough after his £750,000 transfer from Oldham Athletic in 91. The right back was a quick, solid tackler that was appreciated throughout the team and stands. His determination to sprint up the field with ball was a common practice for Wednesday and he quickly became a focal point of an Owls attack. Surprisingly he was called up to England U21 ... as a forward! He went on to score in 7 consecutive games and become a cult hero. The goals and glory seemed to effect Warhurst as he refused to play in the FA Cup Final unless he was played up front! This led to his departure from the club, being transferred to Blackburn Rovers for £2.75m.

Andrew Wilson (1900-20)

Glasgow Clyde FC received £200 in 1900 in exchange for Scottish forward Wilson - a man that would go on to represent SWFC a massive 546 times! This record breaking feat came with 215 goals (another record) as this legend is firmly cemented in the Wednesday history books. At previous clubs he was deployed at left-back and right-wing, however his push to the front proved inspired as his debut season ended with 13 goals. Having clinched 2 league titles and the FA Cup the powerful forward hit double figures for goals in all his seasons. After the war years passed, he eventually left the Owls to become Bristol Rovers manager in 1921.

Nigel Worthington (1984-1994)

Signed from Notts County for £100k, Worthington became 'Mr Reliable' during his time at Hillsborough. His consistent performances helped Wednesday to promotion and Cup Final wins from defence and midfield. His reliability ensured he was an ever-present in the team right up until his departure to Leeds for £325,000.