From New Orleans to Wembley - USA based Owls fan to make long journey to Wembley

An Owls fan is making a 4,624-mile trip from his home in the USA to watch his beloved Sheffield Wednesday play at Wembley.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th May 2016, 11:49 BST
Updated 26th May 2016, 11:53 BST
New Orleans based Owls fan Jamie Midgley with daughter Madeleine whose middle name is WednesdayNew Orleans based Owls fan Jamie Midgley with daughter Madeleine whose middle name is Wednesday
New Orleans based Owls fan Jamie Midgley with daughter Madeleine whose middle name is Wednesday

Jamie Midgley, aged 47, who moved to New Orleans in 2006, has spent more than $2,000 on flights back to the UK – and is even missing part of a family holiday.

Jamie, originally from Norfolk Park, is so Owls-mad his young daughter’s middle name is Wednesday and he and his American wife Jenny have matching Owls wedding rings.

New Orleans based Owls fan Jamie Midgley with daughter MadeleineNew Orleans based Owls fan Jamie Midgley with daughter Madeleine
New Orleans based Owls fan Jamie Midgley with daughter Madeleine
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He has also managed to persuade some New Orleans locals to follow Sheffield Wednesday from an Irish bar in the city.

His wife is more than understanding when it comes to Jamie’s passion for following the Owls – she even accompanied him to Cardiff for Wednesday’s successful play-off final game in 2005.

But the family are supposed to be on holiday when the Owls play Hull.

Jamie said: “I should actually be on a beach vacation with her in Florida this weekend. That was already booked and I’m flying home Monday morning to meet up with her there.

New Orleans based Owls fans outside Finn McCool''s Irish bar. Jamie, pictured second left from the front, has converted several locals to follow Sheffield Wednesday since he moved in 2006New Orleans based Owls fans outside Finn McCool''s Irish bar. Jamie, pictured second left from the front, has converted several locals to follow Sheffield Wednesday since he moved in 2006
New Orleans based Owls fans outside Finn McCool''s Irish bar. Jamie, pictured second left from the front, has converted several locals to follow Sheffield Wednesday since he moved in 2006
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“She told me earlier in the season that I had to go back if we reached the play-off final and I didn’t need much persuading!”

He will be attending the promotion crunch clash with his 83-year-old dad Don, a life-long fan.

Jamie listens to audio commentary of games via the club’s Wednesday World subscription and gets up at 6.30am for televised games on Bein Sports.

He said: “A group of up to 20 strong – all people I’ve cajoled into following the Owls – will meet up at Finn McCool’s Irish bar to watch Wednesday.

Owls fan Jamie has spent over $2,000 dollars on flights to watch the game at WembleyOwls fan Jamie has spent over $2,000 dollars on flights to watch the game at Wembley
Owls fan Jamie has spent over $2,000 dollars on flights to watch the game at Wembley
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“If we get promoted every game will be on live next year – football, especially the Premier League – is getting huge in America.

Jamie’s last Wembley visit watching the Owls was the FA Cup final reply in 1993 – one of his ‘lowest points’.

“I’ve loved watching Wednesday this season – I’ve not been as excited since the early 90s – and I really need to bury the ghost of that FA Cup final replay against Arsenal.”