Lee Bullen’s Sheffield Wednesday fan reunion and praise for fellow Play-Off hero Glenn Whelan

‘Bully’ put in a good performance for the Owls in a 6-6 goalfest at the Keepmoat Stadium on Saturday, even grabbing a superb assist for one of Marcus Tudgay’s four goals on the day as the two sides battled it out in the event put on by the The Eve Merton Dreams Trust.

The former Owls defender, who is now the U23 manager, got a great reception from the fans, who chanted his name during the game, and he admits that it was a joy to be part of – especially on the 16th anniversary of Wednesday' 2005 Play-Off final win over Hartlepool United.

“There’s nothing better, I swear to goodness,” he told The Star afterwards. “Even for something like that, and it was such a nice atmosphere. Watching it on telly or being at games with no fans, it’s just soulless.

“And I wasn’t aware of it at first, but being out on a football pitch today with Glenn Whelan Graeme Lee, Matty Hamshaw, with supporters back, was just so great.”

And there was special praise for Whelan specifically, who Bullen says needs to keep going following his exit from Fleetwood Town recently.

Speaking of his 37-year-old former teammate, he said, “Glenn has got to keep playing… I was always told to keep playing as long as you can, and I was lucky to go to 38 and avoided major injuries. You’ve got to keep going, and he’s proven that he can keep going.

“He’ll get a club if he keeps playing like that, and looking at him he can play any position by the way.”

Wednesday – who’s side also featured the likes of Chris Waddle, Des Walker and Ross Wallace – won the game on penalties in the end after Rovers had picked up a late equaliser to make it 6-6, with Bullen lifting his arms in celebration as the winning penalty was driven home.

The event raised tens of thousands of pounds for the charity, who’s aim is ‘to help the people of Doncaster who are suffering with serious or terminally ill cancer’.