Sheffield Wednesday: Opinion – Hillsborough heroes embraced by new owners

One of the things Leeds United do well is look after their own.

I’ve spoken to ex-Leeds players who speak highly of how often they’re invited back to Elland Road. They’re looked after. They’re put in a position to engage with fans, who love seeing their former heroes.

During Dejphon Chansiri’s ownership of Sheffield Wednesday, that didn’t happen at Hillsborough. It was a frequent talking point.

It wasn’t Chansiri’s biggest mistake, clearly. But it was still a mistake.

People like Chris Waddle, David Hirst, Carlton Palmer, John Sheridan – they should have been regulars at Hillsborough and treated with the upmost respect.

Wednesday don’t have a laundry list of legends, given they’ve not been in the top flight for 26 years and counting. At least look after the ones you’ve got.

The club’s last true period of glory was the early 90s – where they won the League Cup, finished third in the top flight and played in two more cup finals.

Wednesday’s lack of success since has, if anything, made the efforts of the players from that era all the more fabled.

At other local clubs things have been different. Tony Currie is a regular at Bramall Lane and celebrated by Sheffield United, with a stand named in his honour.

Ronnie Moore, the King of Rotherham United, is genuinely treated like royalty.

James Coppinger works for Doncaster Rovers and they’re about to release a documentary about his career.

Maybe things are about to change at Sheffield Wednesday under new ownership, led by David Storch?