HOWARD WILKINSON has been handed a special new role at Sheffield Wednesday and fans have welcomed the move with one simple message: ‘We’ve got our club back‘.
The former England caretaker boss has been named one of three new Lifetime Presidents at Hillsborough, alongside Lord David Blunkett and Clive Betts.
England’s caretaker manager Howard Wilkinson right and assistant Brian Kidd during their time working together Credit: Reuters
Wilkinson was also the FA’S footballl technical director and helped plan and structure English football Credit: Reuters
Wednesday announced the appointments ahead of their clash with Stockport, describing the trio as people with ‘longstanding connections’ to the club and the city.
And Wilkinson’s return to the spotlight at Hillsborough is sure to bring back plenty of memories for Owls fans.
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The 82-year-old enjoyed a successful spell in charge of Wednesday before going on to manage Leeds United.
He famously guided Leeds to the First Division title in 1992, making him the last English manager to win the top-flight title before the Premier League era began.
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Wilkinson later became the FA’s Technical Director, where he played an important role in the planning and development of England’s National Football Centre.
He also had spells as caretaker boss of the England senior side.
Wilkinson first stepped in following Glenn Hoddle’s departure in 1999, taking charge for a friendly against France.
He returned as caretaker in 2000 after Kevin Keegan left and oversaw a goalless World Cup qualifying draw with Finland.
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He also had a spell in charge of England Under-21s.
But it is his long-standing connection with Wednesday that makes the latest appointment particularly special for supporters.
The club said the new honorary positions recognise the trio’s “significant contributions” to Wednesday, the local community and the wider city of Sheffield.
And fans have been quick to welcome the move.
One said: “We’ve got our club back.”
Another said: “They are doing the right things now so that is good to see.”
While a third said: “They all deserve it.”
The appointments have added to a growing feeling among supporters that Wednesday are reconnecting with their history and bringing familiar faces back into the heart of the club.
For many Owls fans, Wilkinson remains one of the most recognisable figures from Wednesday’s past.
His appointment as a Lifetime President gives supporters another reason to celebrate the club’s heritage while looking ahead to the future.
The move also comes after a turbulent period for Wednesday, making the return of respected figures from the club’s past all the more significant.
