Fans' pride as new headstone unveiled over unmarked grave of legendary Sheffield Wednesday captain
Legendary captain was first to lift Football League trophy for Sheffield Wednesday
For years it had been an unmarked grave.
But now, the grave in Burngreave Cemetery which is the final resting place of a legendary former Sheffield Wednesday captain, now has the memorial his status among fans deserves.
Ambrose Langley, the man who led Sheffield Wednesday to become Champions of England for the first time in the club’s history, had lain in an unmarked grave for over 30 years.
But when two Owls fans learned this, they went ahead and raised £5,000 to pay for a headstone.
And this morning, a crowd of Wednesday fans gathered at the Sheffield cemetery to see the stone unveiled for the first time.
The cover was taken off the stone by Ambrose’s great great grandniece, Mille Whittaker, and his great great grandnephew Alfie Whittaker.
Over 100 people turned out to watch.
Clive Nicholson and Tom Crawshaw began a fundraising campaign to make their hero’s grave visible with a new headstone. Both are related to two of Ambrose’s former teammates, Fred Spiksley and Tommy Crawshaw.
Clive said he was proud to see the headstone in place, after what had been a long project. And he was moved by the reception that the project has had.
Clive said: “Ambrose Langley captained Sheffield Wednesday following the club’s move to Hillsborough in 1899, which was a pivotal moment in its history.
”Under his leadership, the club secured promotion back to the First Division and went on to win its first football league title in the 1902–03 season.
‘During his playing career, Langley also won the FA Cup and established himself as a central figure in the club’s success and he is one of the club’s most significant historical figures.”
After he retired, Langley enjoyed a successful managerial career at Hull City and Huddersfield Town.
Clive added: “Ambrose Langley was a loyal servant to Sheffield Wednesday, a true fan favourite in his playing days.
“It is wonderful to see today’s supporters digging deep, even in challenging times, to fund a new headstone for a player they never saw play, but who they recognise as an important part of the club’s history.”