‘Like God was touching me’ – Sheffield Wednesday star recalls meeting Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer

The Owls play host to Newcastle on Saturday evening at 6pm as they look to pull off a shock result in the FA Cup, and for a couple of their players it’s a bit more than just playing against a Premier League outfit in the third round.

Speaking at on Blue And White Christmas Day after posing for photos and signing autographs for fans while raising awareness for Bluebell Wood, Vaulks told The Star of an occasion when he met one of his idols.

“Alan Shearer was my hero,” he said when asked if he’d ever had a similar experience to the kids queuing up to meet him and Akin Famewo. “I was a Newcastle fan growing up and I met him once at the training ground. My nan took me down.

“He touched my head, ruffled my head, and it was like God was touching me. He was my hero, and I’ll never forget that - I’ve got an old school picture of it actually.

“I’m no Alan Shearer, but it is nice to give that little bit back.”

Given his strong Liverpudlian accent, it may come as a shock to hear that the midfield man was part of the Toon Army growing up – and he admits that, while he’s not as ‘diehard’ as Smith, it’s still a game he’s anticipating.

“My dad is a Geordie,” he explained. “So I grew up supporting and have been lucky enough to play against them before.

“Smudge is still a diehard, and even though it’s kind of faded for me it’s a great game. We’re looking forward to that, it’ll be a little breakaway from the league.”

Wednesday have won their three most recent games against Newcastle – two in the Championship and one in the League Cup – however the visitors’ impressive campaign in 2022/23, as well as the obvious gap in divisions, sees them go into this one as heavy favourites.

Darren Moore’s side beat Morecambe and Mansfield Town to reach this stage.

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