The Greatest Ever Owls Strikers

Last week's forum poll is done and dusted and the Vital SWFC members have voted for David Hirst and Derek Dooley as the Greatest Ever Owls Strikers.

David joined the Owls from Barnsley in 1986, signed by Howard Wilkinson. He made an instant impression with the Owls faithful, scoring against Everton with his first touch in front of the Kop just a minute after coming on as a substitute. However, the 1988-89 season was the start of the striker's magnificent run of form, given regular starts by Ron Atkinson. 32 goals in 55 games in the League Cup and promotion winning season, including a 4 goal haul against Hull City, boosted Hirst to legend status. His fine form continued in the top flight, but injury and fitness problems were materialising. He was still joint top scorer in 1995/6 (bagging 14) but in 1997, Owls manager David Pleat sold him to Southampton. His final tally for the Owls: 358 appearances, 149 goals. He was capped three times for England, and scored once.

Derek signed for Wednesday in 1947. He didn't score on his first two outings.. but all that was to change in dramatic fashion. An astonishing 24 goals in the next 12 games, 47 goals in total in 1951/52. After gaining promotion, he regained his early form at the higher level, 30 appearances bringing a further 16 goals. Then - tragedy. On the 14th of February 1953, in a match against Preston at Deepdale, Derek collided with the goalkeeper and shattered his leg. Complications set in, and he was to lose that limb. The end of a very promising career.. his 'goal a game' stats a permanent reminder of his halcyon days.

Powerful, formidable opponents, legends: which is why they are our choices for the Greatest Ever Owls Team.

However, it was in the end a close run thing for the second striker spot, Derek just pipping mercurial Italian playmaker Paolo Di Canio for the final position.

This week's forum poll is for the Greatest Ever Owls Manager. We'll announce the results next Saturday!

That manager will be 'in charge' of our Greatest Ever Owls Team: Pressman, Nilsson, Walker, Swan, Megson (D.), Waddle, Sheridan, Palmer, Harkes, Hirst, Dooley.

Register for the Vital SWFC forum and vote for your Greatest Ever Owls Manager by clicking here