2001 Sheffield Wednesday Away – XL

The 2001/02 season was a challenging and transitional campaign for Sheffield Wednesday Football Club, as the Owls sought to re-establish stability following their relegation from the Premier League two years earlier.

• League: Competed in the Football League First Division (now the EFL Championship).

  • Finished 20th out of 24 teams, narrowly avoiding relegation to the Second Division.

  • Ended the season with 51 points, just five above the drop zone.

• Domestic Cups:

  • FA Cup: Eliminated in the third round by Wolverhampton Wanderers.

  • League Cup (Worthington Cup): Knocked out in the second round by Sunderland.

• Managerial Situation:

  • Began the season under Terry Yorath, who struggled to find consistency in results and squad depth.

  • The club faced financial difficulties, limited transfers, and an aging squad, which made rebuilding a significant challenge.

• Key Storyline: While results were poor, the emergence of young players like Alan Quinn and Leigh Bromby offered optimism. The team’s survival ensured Wednesday avoided a financial crisis that could have worsened with relegation.

• Kit: The 2001/02 Sheffield Wednesday away jersey, produced by Diadora, featured a black and orange design with diagonal striping and the “Sanderson” sponsor logo — a bold, modern contrast to their traditional blue-and-white home colors.

2. Player’s Impact – Key Figures of the 2001/02 Squad

Although there wasn’t a single standout star like in Premier League years past, several players carried the team through a difficult season:

• Efan Ekoku – Veteran striker who provided experience and leadership up front, contributing vital goals early in the season.

• Alan Quinn – The standout performer of the campaign, dynamic in midfield, and named Player of the Season.

• Graham Hyde – Provided stability and grit in midfield.

• Ashley Westwood – A consistent performer in defense.

• Kevin Pressman – The club legend remained the reliable choice in goal, offering leadership and experience during turbulent times.

The squad showed flashes of resilience, particularly late in the campaign when back-to-back wins against relegation rivals ensured survival.

3. Full Squad List – Sheffield Wednesday 2001/02

Manager: Terry Yorath

Goalkeepers:

• Kevin Pressman

• Chris Stringer

Defenders:

• Leigh Bromby

• Ashley Westwood

• Trond Egil Soltvedt

• Gerald Sibon (also deployed forward at times)

• Danny Maddix

• Dean Smith

• Paul McLaren

Midfielders:

• Alan Quinn

• Graham Hyde

• Simon Donnelly

• Owen Morrison

• Robbie Mustoe

• Mark Pembridge (departed early in the season)

• Derek Geary

Forwards:

• Efan Ekoku

• Gerald Sibon

• Shefki Kuqi

• Lloyd Owusu

• Ashley Westwood (also used defensively)