The emotional moment a year earlier that would lead Sheffield Wednesday to League Cup glory at Wembley and promotion

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A hugely talented Owls squad went down on goal difference following a 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, with Luton Town clinging on by virtue of a 3-2 win over Derby County.

That night, despite the disappointment, the Wednesday players were due to attend the end of season Player of the Year function. Many were cautious, given the circumstances, and they got together with the manager Ron Atkinson, who rallied the troops.

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Sheffield Wednesday players take an open top bus tour through the city after their League Cup winning success against Manchester United in 1991

As the players walked into the venue they were greeted by a spine-tingling standing ovation from supporters. It was just what they needed and that along with the pep talk from ‘Big Ron’ would provide the catalyst for an incredible campaign.

"We had a little talk," Atkinson told The Star back in 2016. "I just said to the players that we have to stick together; Fergie wanted Roland Nilsson at Man United but I said let’s give it one more year because I think you are good enough to be in the top three in the top division, let alone the second.’

“The funny thing was I wasn’t as sure of them in the Second Division, If we had been in the top division I would have put us down for the top six, but in a funny way I wasn’t sure about the lower division.

"We passed well and played but in all fairness, early on some of our football was unbelievable and we’d have won the league had we not been involved in the League Cup."

League Cup-winning boss Ron Atkinson with John Harkes at Wembley

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