14 things only Sheffield Wednesday fans from the 1980s and 1990s will remember – gallery
It’s never been smooth sailing being a Sheffield Wednesday fan, but there was a time when the good times were more regular than the bad…
Wednesday have been outside of the top-flight of English football since 2000 when they were relegated from the Premier League, but it hasn’t always been that way. Today we look back at some moments that fans who were following the Owls in the 1980s and 1990s will be able to remember that some of the younger crowd won’t.
Phrases such as ‘Can he play on grass’ and songs about European tours spring to mind, and then – of course – there were the trips to Wembley. How many of these can you remember?
1. Two promotions in five years
The first came in 1980, starting the new decade off with a bang as the Owls climb from Division 3 to Division 2, and by 1984 they were back in the big time, clinching it with four games to go thanks to a Mel Sterland penalty against Crystal Palace.
2. The fastest physio in the league
Alan Smith was a master of his trade, and could regularly be seen sprinting on to help the Wednesday players whenever they picked up a knock. He was held in such high regard that he spent time with England, too. 
3. A roofless Kop
Wednesday’s most famous stand remained open to the elements until a roof was eventually added in 1986 after fans raised money to contribute to the cost – it was quite the sight when it was full.
4. ‘Atkinson’s Barmy Army!’
It could be heard being belted from the stands both home and away by Wednesdayites, sometimes for very lengthy periods.
5. Can he play on grass?
Eric Cantona is probably Wednesday’s biggest ‘one that got away’… It was during Trevor Francis’ tenure as manager, and though he played on astroturf at the Sheffield Arena he didn’t fancy sticking around for a longer trial.
6. Relegation – and the joy that followed…
Relegation in 1990 was tough to take for Wednesdayites, going down on goal difference on the final day. But it did set them up nicely for one of the most memorable seasons the club has ever had.
7. “We’re all going on a European tour!”
Wednesday’s ventures into European football have been few and far between, but this chant could be heard after a third place top-flight finish in 91/92 sent them into the UEFA Cup where they played Spora Luxembourg and Kaiserslautern.
8. Dink!
It was a sound that defined a generation, the dink before the jubilation as John Sheridan fired the Owls to the Rumbelows Cup trophy in 1991.
9. Beating that lot at Wembley
The day Sheffield went to London. Wednesday against United at Wembley, that Waddle freekick, and the celebrations that followed.
10. Chel-see you later
Chelsea were the top-flight side, favourites to book their spot in the Rumbelows Cup final, but Atkinson’s Owls had other ideas… The 2-0 away win in the first leg of the semifinal set them up perfectly, and the 3-1 at home sent fans into jubilation.
11. If It’s Wednesday It Must Be Wembley
There was a point when Sheffield Wednesday went to Wembley four times inside just two months under Trevor Francis – it became so notable that Martyn Ware and Ian Reddington made a song about it. | Ian Reddinton
12. Being in an FA Cup final
Winning the trophy wasn’t to be, but Wednesday are so far away from being an FA Cup finalist now that the fact that it happened was something to remember.
13. Premier League outfit Sheffield Wednesday
It’s been a long, long time since that Premier League badge was on the sleeve of a Wednesday shirt – but for fans in the 80s and 90s being a top-flight club was the norm. 
14. A major trophy
Wednesday haven’t won many trophies in general over the past couple of decades, but play-off final trophies are nothing like winning the League Cup – the last major piece of silverware that the Owls picked up. | Sheffield Newspapers
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