Some Sheffield Wednesday fans have flocked to a tweet that was recently posted by ex-player John Harkes, in which the 53-year-old ex-Sheffield Wednesday man wishes his former manager Ron Atkinson a happy birthday.
In his recent tweet, Harkes thanks Atkinson for “believing in (him) back in 1990”. Harkes left his native USA to join Sheffield Wednesday from Albany Capitals in October 1990, for a transfer fee of £90,000, according to transfermarkt.co.uk. Harkes’ move to England occurred during Atkinson’s tenure as Sheffield Wednesday boss, which lasted from February 1989 until June 1991.
While Atkinson’s tenure at Wednesday ended in 1991, Harkes went on to enjoy almost three years at the club before leaving in August 1993. Harkes went on to play for Derby County and West Ham United before leaving England to head back to the USA when he joined DC United in March 1996.
Considering that his time in England, which lasted over five years, began when Atkinson brought him to Sheffield Wednesday, it may be understandable why Harkes has shared gratitude to the ex-Owls manager for “believing in (him)”.
Harkes’ recent tweet has drawn the attention of some Owls fans. Read the responses of some Sheffield Wednesday supporters to Harkes’ recent post in the tweets below.
Happy Birthday @BigRonAtkinson , thank you for believing in me back in 1990! Some great years at @SWFC what a great team, what a great manager…what a great club!
— John Harkes (@johnharkes6) March 18, 2020
Best debut by a Wednesday player I’ve seen at Hillsborough! Capped by a goal at baseball ground that will live with me till the day I die? Legend!
— Darren Duhameau (@DarrenDuhameau) March 18, 2020
You were one of my fav players along with waddle and Hirsty ??????
— DH (@DH10283256) March 18, 2020
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We take both of you back tomorrow. Such great times now apathy and disappointment is all around the club.
— mark mate (@maff11) March 19, 2020
Thank you @BigRonAtkinson for the best football I’ve seen at hillsborough, great team, great manager, good times. Happy birthday.????????????
— Teresa Rodgers (@TeresaR45522402) March 19, 2020
The good old days when watching wednesday was a joy home and away ???
— mick swfc renshaw (@mickwolf1969) March 18, 2020
We love you too mate
— Geoff SWFC (@GeoffSWFC) March 18, 2020
You were a great player in that team. Mr Atkinson was an incredible manager. That era was magnificent and I hope we get a little of that past magic back soon.
— paul street (@paulstr57459363) March 18, 2020
#Legends the both of you ????
— Swissowls ??? (@badendido) March 19, 2020
What do we think?
Many Sheffield Wednesday fans have responded positively to Harkes’ recent tweet, sharing their appreciation for both the former player and the former manager.
Atkinson’s time at Sheffield Wednesday was topped off with some silverware as he “took his Sheffield Wednesday team to Wembley” to face Manchester United in the 1990/91 League Cup final, where he led the Owls to League Cup glory. Wednesday’s 1990/91 League Cup win remains the most recent piece of major silverware that the club have won, according to Transfermarkt.co.uk.
Considering the success that Sheffield Wednesday enjoyed in the League Cup during Atkinson and Harkes’ time at the club, it may be understandable why some Owls fans have been sharing fond memories of this era in response to Harkes’ recent tweet.