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Alternative Sheffield Wednesday end-of-season awards: Cowboy hats, Newcastle and Josh Windass
Best moment
It cannot be anything other than winning at Wembley.
The vast number of Wednesdayites, the weather, the setting and the perfect ending.
When Josh Windass struck deep into added time at the end of extra time it was an ‘I was there’ moment for anyone associated with the Owls. Truly historic stuff.
Read more: How Sheffield Wednesday’s squad looks after retained list publication
Second-best moment
The ‘miracle of S6’ was something we may never experience ever again. It will be talked about in years, probably decades to come.
Never before has a team gone into a game 4-0 down and somehow escaped with victory. The performance by all the players that night was scintillating and it was the loudest Hillsborough has been for many a year.
Unforgettable.
Notable mentions
This was a campaign littered with memorable moments, with records being smashed left, right and centre and the Owls accruing the highest number of points in their history. The clean sheet record in particular will take some beating you feel.
Aside from the league form, the win over Newcastle in the FA Cup was an important milestone. It showed, to a national audience, what this team are capable of and just how loud S6 can be on special nights. Another personal highlight was the bond between fans and players, shown in the aftermath of the 3-0 win at Shrewsbury.
Star player
A number of players deserve honourable mentions but Liam Palmer had the season of his life. It’s no surprise he won practically every ‘player of the season’ award that was going and we’re no different. The Wednesday stalwart clocked up more than 4,000 minutes, scored a career-best six goals and even chipped in with three assists.
Speaking to Yorkshire Live at last week’s civic parade, the defender said: “I don’t know who wrote the script this season but it’s been unbelievable. We don’t like to do things easy but what a way to go up, with the last kick of the game.
“It’s an exciting time to be a Wednesday player and fan right now.”
Best signing
The number of players who arrived in S6 last summer surpassed double figures but surely the biggest hit was Michael Smith?
He notched 21 goals in his maiden season at the club – a feat not achieved in over a decade.
He’ll now be desperate to follow his achievements up with a successful stab at the second tier.
Goal of the season
There will be plenty of debate over this but Will Vaulks’ superb effort away at Wycombe just shades it for us.
It was a glorious hit from outside the box and his goal celebration duly followed suit.
Best quote
Whilst Darren Moore usually stays quite placid in his pre and post-match press conferences, there were a few pearlers chucked in throughout the season.
One that immediately stands out is his response to the question over how he would be greeting Shaun Rooney, the Fleetwood defender who infamously lost his head during the Boxing Day league clash between the two sides. Rooney saw red and proceeded to tear strips of anyone who got in his way, including Moore on the touchline.
The Owls boss gave a classy response prior to their reunion, simply saying: “I’m looking forward to seeing him. And I’ve got the biggest hug for him!”
Lowest point
Two words – Forest Green.
That miserable Sunday down in Gloucestershire was cited by many Wednesdayites as the turning point in their chase for the automatic spots.
It was an early start for the thousands of Wednesdayites who were making a first-ever trip to the New Lawn. You would struggle to think of a less likely place to house a football ground, surrounded by the rolling green hills and picturesque villages.
Sky Sports televised the game and got the upset they craved, with Wednesday putting in a pitiful showing as they lost 1-0. Rovers would ultimately finish rock-bottom as they went in the opposite direction to the Owls.
Flop of the season
Alex Mighten arrived to plenty of fanfare but his loan spell from Nottingham Forest never worked out.
He managed just a handful of league appearances and it was no surprise when the deal was ended abruptly in January. A word too on two players signed for fees last summer, Tyreeq Bakinson and Mallik Wilks. Both came from the Championship but endured tough debut campaigns at S6. Neither will need telling that they’ll need to improve next term.
Best attire
The sight of David Stockdale parading on the open-top bus whilst sporting a cowboy hat will take some beating. He hardly took it off all night!
