‘Gutted’ Tom Lees’ pens open letter to Sheffield Wednesday fans

The defender, who has played 274 games for the Owls and spent a spell as captain, has enjoyed some very happy memories at Hillsborough over the years, but admits that his departure is not going the way he had hoped.

Lees, 30, is now in the process of recovering from injury as he hunts for a new club following his S6 exit, and he admits that he will be back in the future to show his family a city that has grown close to his heart.

It remains to be seen at this point in time where the former Leeds United man will end up next season, but he says that he leaves with ‘so many great memories’ that will always live with him.

His letter read as follows:

“To all Wednesdayites,

“I could not leave the club without taking the time to thank you all for everything you have done for me over the last seven plus years. The welcome I received immediately and the support over the years really means so much to me and I won’t forget it.

“The pre kick-off part of ‘Hi Ho Silver Lining’ when the music cuts out and the fans take over will never leave me.

“I’m proud to have worn the shirt 274 times during my time here, and have been fortunate enough to captain the side for a lot of that period. That is something which no one can take away from me and I’ll always be able to look back on in the future and say I did that for a club like Sheffield Wednesday

“I’ve shared a dressing room with some great players and great people over the years - many of whom I’ll stay friends with for the rest of my life. I leave with so many great memories and moments shared with them.

“I would like to thank the staff working at the club behind the scenes who have looked after me since I arrived as a young lad, the managers and their staff I’ve played for, and my sponsors who have always supported me.

“I am obviously gutted the situation the club is in as I leave and the way my last game finished. It’s not how I ever envisaged it would be, but looking back at my time I know I can say I gave every single bit of myself in training, playing and in trying to improve the club off the pitch.

“I wish the club all the best in the future, and I am sure I’ll come back and show my family where I spent some of the best years of my career.

“Thanks, Tom.”

Lees joined Wednesday under Stuart Gray back in 2014, and twice came close to helping the Owls reach the heights of the Premier League via the Play-Offs – his exit, alongside the likes of Keiren Westwood, leaves Barry Bannan, Sam Hutchinson, Liam Palmer and Joe Wildsmith as the only players left over from the 2016 final at Wembley.

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