Johnny Quinn - Thank You

[CHAIRBOY]

Former Sheffield Wednesday and Rotherham footballer, John Quinn, is retiring as the figurehead of the fundraising organisation, "Johnny Quinn's All Stars" after thirty years of charity work for good causes.

Quinn, now 67, is to be replaced by former Owls and Leeds player, Melvyn Sterland who said: "Johnny should get an MBE for what he's done for charities; the money raised must run into millions."

I would echo that, for Quinn is one of life's "Mr Nice Guys" and nothing was too much trouble as he sought to help good causes, especially of a sporting nature.

This St.Helens-born 'Owl' joined Wednesday in 1959 and played whole-heartedly until 1968 in various roles. No dummy out of prams like some present day performers with Quinny. John would play anywhere to help the cause. He took the ups and downs in his stride and continued to apply himself with the utmost professionalism.

Many of my vintage will remember the days when he flew back, weekly, from his National Service to represent the Owls. His attitude was a joy to behold even though he didn't always get things going his way, sometimes paying the price for his utility function.

After he finished at Millmoor, he ran a popular sports shop, along with Gerry Young, on Middlewood Road whilst continuing to organise his next charity event.

Johnny Quinn would not be seeking anyone to glamourise his efforts but his sterling work has now set a benchmark that his successor, Mel Sterland, will find hard to follow. Many thanks John.