As a player, he played an important role in perhaps the most iconic Owls sides of all-time, winning the Rumbelows Cup and promotion from the Second Division in 1991 before reaching both domestic cup finals two years later.
He returned as manager in 1998 is hugely difficult circumstances he has admitted were tougher than even he suspected would be the case as the club battled debt, off-field controversy and an ageing squad – leading to relegation from a top tier to which they are yet to return.
There aren’t many who had such close insight at both ends of a fascinating decade for the club.
Across the two spells Wilson worked alongside some of the greatest players in Wednesday’s history. But who makes his ultimate Owls XI? And perhaps more to the point – who misses out?
In conversation with The Star, here’s the side Wilson plumped for..
5. CB - Viv Anderson
This is a difficult one - I had Peter Shirtliff down for a long time, who was fantastic for us. But I went with Viv - just. He achieved so much in the game, England's first black player, he had a fantastic career and when he was in his pomp he was a gazelle. Six-three and so quick. I'm a bit biased because we're great pals but he's very much in there on merit, he had a bit of everything - the only issue was in training when he went up front.. he was garbage! Photo: Steve Ellis
6. CB - Nigel Pearson
This was a simple one for me, Captain Marvel who epitomised everything we did as a football club back then - Nigel Pearson. He'd go through a brick wall for us and he was such a great leader. Never once did I see him let anybody down and he led from the front. Ultimate taker of responsibility. He held us together at the back and he was always there, so reliable. Photo: Steve Ellis
7. LB - Nigel Worthington
Phil King was outstanding for us and the two of them had a fantastic understanding. But I've gone for Nigel simply because of his international experience at World Cups and on the bigger stage. He was another that would never let us down - he was a seven or eight out of 10 every week and that's just given him the edge of Kingy. Photo: Steve Ellis
8. CM - Carlton Palmer
These are difficult choices again but Carlton was so underestimated outside of the football club. His engine was phenomenal, he could pass, create, defend, get forward. All-round fantastic. He was such a difficult opponent, a bit like me in going to get the ball and giving it to the more talented players. But he could go past players - he had such a great stride in him he could take us up the pitch on his own. And another great lad. Photo: Steve Ellis