Former Sheffield Wednesday defender Richard Wood reveals why he fell in love with the Owls over boyhood club Leeds United

Rotherham United centre-half Richard Wood makes no secret of his love for south Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday.
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And the 34-year-old, who’s career started out with the Owls when he was plucked out of youth football in his native West Yorkshire as a boy, has reiterated that passion in an interview with Sky Sports.

Wood made 174 appearances for Wednesday between 2003 and 2010, scoring seven goals, before going on to playing over 100 matches apiece for Coventry City and current club Rotherham United.

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But what is less well known is that Wood spent his formative years sat in the stands at Elland Road.

“My first team was Leeds United,” he laughed. “I grew up round there, so I had a season ticket for five years.

“Growing up all my mates were Leeds fans, then I signed for Wednesday at 11, we got free tickets with me being in the Academy.

“[Paolo] Di Canio and [Benito] Carbone were playing, so I started watching them, because George Graham was in charge at Leeds at the time and it was a little bit boring.

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“You’d rather go watch Wednesday! From that point on I loved Wednesday and still do, to be fair.”

Rotherham defender Richard Wood (left) has spoken about his undying love for former club Sheffield WednesdayRotherham defender Richard Wood (left) has spoken about his undying love for former club Sheffield Wednesday
Rotherham defender Richard Wood (left) has spoken about his undying love for former club Sheffield Wednesday

The no-nonsense defender, who ahead of this season former teammate Lee Bullen joked would be his dream signing from any south Yorkshire club, spoke fondly of his memories of his early days at Hillsborough.

He said: “The first time I came on as a sub was away at Brighton at the Withdean, it was 1-1.

“I came on for 10 minutes and we got relegated that day. But I was buzzing because I’d made my debut at 17!

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“My full debut was the week after, Burnley away. We won 7-2 and I scored after 20 minutes. I couldn’t have dreamed of a better full league debut.

“The ball’s come bouncing across and I’ve gone to volley it. I’ve slipped and my left foot has gone from under me, I’ve hit the ball into the ground, the keeper’s already dived and it’s gone over him. It was a typical, horrible Wood goal!”