Howard Wilkinson had performed heroics by the time of the start of the 1985 – 1986 season and that was no exception. Wednesday embarked on a fine season in the top flight, finishing the campaign off in a mighty fifth position. They enjoyed a great run in the FA cup, coming to an end in the semi finals as they suffered defeat against Everton.
The following season once again saw Wednesday enjoy a fine FA cup run, eventually suffering defeat in the quarter finals against Coventry City. The 1987 – 1988 season was Wilkinson’s last in charge at the club and he guided the owls in to very decent 11th position by the end of the campaign. They ere unfortunate not to progress further in the league cup as they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Arsenal in the quarter finals.
Ron Atkinson took charge at the club in 1988; however the late 1980’s saw Wednesday slide out of the first division in to the second as they finished the 1989 – 1990 campaign off in 18th position.
The Sheffield Wednesday team of the 1989 – 90 season included players like, Chris Turner, Roland Nilsson, Phil King, Carlton palmer, Peter Shirtliff, Nigel Pearson, Trevor Francis, John Sheridan, David Hirst, Dalian Atkinson and Nigel Worthington.