Retro: The tragedy of Sheffield Wednesday old boy Dalian Atkinson

Dalian Atkinson would have been celebrating his 50th birthday today.

Tragically, the one-time Sheffield Wednesday, Aston Villa and Ipswich town striker died on two years ago after being tasered by police near his father’s house in Telford after a domestic incident.

Dalian Atkinson in action against Manchester United keeper Jim Leightonplaceholder image
Dalian Atkinson in action against Manchester United keeper Jim Leighton

Atkinson scored 10 goals in 38 appearances for the Owls in the 1989–1990 after manager Ron Atkinson brought him to Hillsborough for £450,000, to partner up with David Hirst.

Wednesday were relegated in that season, though, and Atkinson was sold to Real Sociedad for £1.7 million - the first black footballer to play for the Spanish side.

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