Sheffield Wednesday suffered the unwanted fate of Premier League relegation back in the 1999/2000 season, as Danny Wilson and then caretaker manager Peter Shreeves could not save them from the drop.
Wednesday managed to take it closer to the wire than had looked possible at one point, however a 3-3 draw away at Arsenal was not enough to keep them in the fight, and they were relegated.
They have yet to get back to the top flight since, with a couple of spells in League One added to the mix. This last two seasons they have shown signs they may be on the way back though, even though they suffered playoff final heartbreak last term.
The Sheffield Wednesday squad of over 15 years ago was one of talent, but ultimately suffered through injuries and a few foreign flop signings.
With this in mind, FLW writer Lee Connor takes a look at where those players from the Owls 1999/00 squad are now...
Kevin Pressman
The big goalkeeper was a standout performer for the Owls over a number of years, and made a particular habit of being world class in games against local rivals United.
Numerous goalkeeping coaching roles have followed for Pressman, and he is currently in that very role with Millwall, who he joined in 2012.
Ian Nolan
Steady full back Nolan was never the most gifted footballer the Owls have ever had, but he held down a regular place in the team.
Nolan drifted down the leagues as his career came to an end before finishing off with Southport.
He is not back in the game as yet as far as we know, but Nolan’s international and Premier League experience will no doubt see him back involved in the game at some point.
Des Walker
One of the best English defenders of his time, there was good reason for fans to sing “you’ll never beat Des Walker”.
He spent over 20 seasons playing top level football, and was a star for the Owls and Nottingham Forest in the main.
Walker now spends his time with Derby County, where he is one of the academy coaches.
Peter Atherton
Somewhat of a forgotten man when you think of all the players the Owls have had over the years, but Atherton was a regular back in 1999.
A few spells as coach and assistant manager in non-league have followed, and now he finds himself involved at Wigan Athletic, where is the development squad’s manager.
Andy Hinchcliffe
Injuries probably robbed Hinchcliffe of most of this career, but on his day he was a fine left back.
The former Owls and Everton man is now a regular on Sky Sports, where his co-commentary provides excellent insight into 2nd and third tier football in the main.
Niclas Alexandersson
Arguably one of the most gifted players in the Owls team from this time period, Alexandersson had an excellent career with Wednesday, Everton, and Goteborg.
The flying Swedish winger is now happily retired back in his homeland with seemingly little interest in heading back into the game.
Danny Sonner
In a much travelled career, Sonner spent two seasons at Sheffield Wednesday, and was thrust into playing central midfield when Wim Jonk was injured, while Benito Carbone moved on for financial reasons.
Sonner wasn’ the best player, and is not too keenly remembered by Owls fans.
He is another who has retired and gone away from the game, hanging up his boots in 2008 following a spell with Wrexham.
Barry Horne
When you look at the central midfield of Horne and Sonner, it is easy to see why the Owls were relegated.
Now 54, Horne has spent time as Chairman of the PFA and as a television pundit.
He has a degree in chemistry, has spent time as a teacher, and also was a member of the board at Wrexham following their fan takeover in 2011.
Petter Rudi
Norwegian international Rudi was a very good player in his time, and won just under 50 caps for the national team.
Rudi spent three seasons with the Owls, and kept playing up until 2007.
He is now retired, but works for Molde as a scout.
Gilles De Bilde
Belgian international De Bilde was the Owls’ top scorer during that relegation year, but he never really endeared himself to fans.
He has had a varied career since retiring, appearing on numerous television programmes in his homeland, as well as spending time as a pundit.
Gerald Sibon
A player who often divided fans at Hillsborough, but there is no denying Sibon scored some absolutely spectacular goals while with the Owls.
The Dutchman was gangly and tall in style, but has excellent skill and control, as well as a rocket of a shot.
Sibon now works for Herenveen, where he coaches the clubs youngsters and scouts for the first team.
Some other squad members…
Wim Jonk
Dutch international Jonk was a fine player, but was cruelly done over by injuries for the main in his career. He is the former Head Coach of the Ajax academy, and now manages Cruyff Football with Jordi Cruyff.
Richie Humphreys
The only player in this list who is still playing, Humphries is still a player at Chesterfield under Danny Wilson.
He recently came on against Sheffield United, but looks to be coming to the end of his career if that display is anything to do by.
Owls fans, what do you think to this? What are your memories of this team? Let us know your thoughts and memories!