“You couldn’t get better than that, and we won!” - The Sheffield Wednesday story of presenter Richard ‘Dick’ McCourt
and live on Freeview channel 276
In the latest edition of The Star’s delve into Wednesday’s host of famous fans, we tracked down the children’s TV favourite to discuss his Owls past and put him on the spot to pick his favourite SWFC moment.
Now 44, McCourt was the perfect age to see the golden era of the Owls, watching them lift the Rumbelows Cup as a teenager in the days of David Hirst, Chris Waddle et al that are still remembered so fondly.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHaving been born and raised in Sheffield, it’s no real surprise that he’s a Wednesdayite. Although his dad would have preferred if he’d favoured the other side of the city.
Speaking to The Star, he explained, “I ended up as a Wednesday fan because most of my family are Owls supporters as we lived on that side of the city… That is apart from my Dad, who was brought up at Bramall Lane.
“When people find out that I’m a Wednesdayite, they generally ask me why, as they don't realise that I’m from Sheffield. Generally it’s quite a positive reaction though, as people remember the great history of the club… Unless they're a Blade of course!
“I think what makes Wednesday such as special club is the history, Hillsborough, and the fans. We’re one of those clubs that most football fans seem have a soft spot for.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHow far back to his memories go? And who would he pick as his all-time best Owls player?
“My earliest memory was when I was about eight-years-old,” he remembers. “It was going to watch a Steel City Derby game… I remember just how good the atmosphere was, and the half time pie too! I think the game finished in a draw though.
“My all-time favourite player? That’s a tough one! There’s too many to mention from my favourite era back when I was a kid. Players like Carlton Palmer, John Sheridan, Chris Waddle and of course the strike partnership of David Hirst and Mark Bright up front.
“If I had to pick one player to put into the current team though, I’d go with Peter Shirtliff, the bedrock of defence!”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdLike many Wednesdayites, the presenter dreams of the Premier League again, and is still gutted about what happened in 2016.
“I actually couldn’t get a ticket for the game!,” Dick bemoans.“I ended up working that day anyway, but I followed it online during one of our live shows and was obviously rooting for them throughout, it’s a big shame that it didn’t happen. Forestieri should have scored in the first half.”
There have been trips to Wembley that did end well though, and one of them made it to the top of his list of Wednesday memories. If you don’t remember it personally, you’ve certainly seen it…
“It has to be Chris Waddle’s free kick in the 1993 FA Cup semifinal at Wembley. That goal in a Steel City Derby at Wembley? You couldn’t get better than that, and we won!”