Playing at Hillsborough again brought back special memories for former Sheffield Wednesday defender
A charity match was played at Hillsborough on Saturday
Daniel Pudil said seeing his former team-mates and playing at Hillsborough again brought back some special memories for him.
The defender spent four years at Sheffield Wednesday between 2015 and 2019, making more than 100 appearances, playing a big part in two Championship play-off campaigns, including some memorable nights at S6 against Arsenal and Brighton among others.
The now 40-year-old played in a legends game on Saturday to raise money for Weston Park Cancer Charity and Sheffield Wednesday FC Community Programme. Many of his team-mates from that era, and manager Carlos Carvalhal, got together for a great cause.
Speaking to The Star after the game, Pudil said: “It is all those memories coming out again, and what we have done, what we have achieved during those four seasons I've been here. It was really nice to see the players that we have been together 10 years ago, to see them again here. I love the club. My two kids were born in Sheffield. I am quite local, so I'm coming to watch the games, but it is a little bit different when you when you are on the pitch again. I'm working for Sheffield Wednesday Community Programme. So this club means a lot to me. “
Thousands of fans came out to support the event, with Carvalhal reduced to tears as they sang his song, before taking out his phone to film Hi Ho Silver Lining before kick-off. Since being relegated from the Premier League in 2000, Pudil and his team-mates came the closest to returning the club to the top-flight, leaving a lasting impression on supporters, which is clearly still strong.
“Nearly 4,000-5,000 people came just for a charity game, it is unbelievable,” he continued. I think the connection, what we had with the fans, I think we still have it, and it's unbelievable.”
The legends side won 24-3, with first-half hat-tricks for Sam Hutchinson and Steven Fletcher.
“Massive credit to the players they play against us,” Pudil added. “Obviously, they knew they might get battered, but I think they enjoy it as well. And I think we are raising really, really big amount of money for the two charities so it is brilliant. “