Charity was the winner in glorious Hillsborough sunshine as legends from Wednesday and the Czech Republic joined forces.
The goals flew in but the score mattered not as vital funds were raised for Weston Park and Real Top Praha.
The event was the brainchild of our former defender Daniel Pudil, who could hardly have wished for a finer day on and off the pitch.
Organises a charity match at Hillsborough, turns up and smashes one top corner in the Kop end...
— Sheffield Wednesday (@swfc) May 14, 2022
Love that, @Pupik33 pic.twitter.com/Oz9k3Lks08
Pudil rolled back the years to net a wonderful strike from distance and the smile stayed on his face when speaking to swfc.co.uk:
He said: “It’s been a beautiful day and I am so grateful for everyone who has helped this project come to life.
“All the players, the Sheffield Wednesday Community Programme and the club and the many fans who came out to support us.
“Every penny we have raised will help make life better for someone and that makes me and all of us here today very proud.”
The sentiment was echoed by Benito Carbone after the Italian maverick jetted to England from Milan to play his part.
He said: “I cannot quite believe I am back here, it still feels like my home and I am so happy to help make a difference.
“I am here on a pitch where I had some beautiful moments. The memories for me are very special.”
Next to Carbone was the familiar face of Lee Bullen, back in S6 having made a successful start to management with Ayr United north of the border.
He explained: “The mission was to keep us up and through sheer hard work the players achieved that. I’m really enjoying the management side of things and looking forward to the new season.
“But today it’s all about raising money for charity and if we can have a bit of fun at the same time then that’s fantastic.
“This place will always be home to me, there’s no better place to catch up with some old friends and to do it in the name of charity means a lot.”
Wednesday: David Lucas, Lee Bullen, Des Walker, Reda Johnson, Glenn Loovens, Miguel Llera, Jon-Paul McGovern, Graham Coughlan, Benito Carbone, Ross Wallace, John Pearson