American Civil War

Wednesday were formed just two years after the end of the ACW.
At Christmas 1862, the Sheffield and Hallam clubs played one of the world's first charity matches for Lancashire cotton workers who had been laid off due to the ACW.
This also gave Sheffield the proud record of the first on-field fight when Major Creswick of Sheffield and Waterfall of Hallam had a set to (Waterfall was so upset he took off his waistcoat!!)

Zulu War

In order to raise money for the widows of British soldiers killed in the 2nd Zulu War, a group of local footballers, including Wednesday players, got together to play matches under the name "Zulus".
They blacked up (a la Minstrels) and dressed in black shirts, shields and assegais.

The team carried on playing until 1882, when players were accused of taking money for playing (i.e. being professionals - a big no-no in local FA circles.) Players were banned and the team stopped playing.

First World War

Football was criticised for carrying on when the war began. In a vote of League teams, Wednesday actually voted to suspend all league football until the end of the war, however football carried on in regionalised leagues.

Wednesday never managed to finish above halfway in the table.

In 1916, James Monaghan, a reserve player, was killed in action on the Western Front.

Wednesday were allowed to use players guesting from other clubs such as Frank Womack from Birmingham.

Second World War

The League managed 3 matches before war broke out, then, as with the First War, teams competed in regionalised leagues.

War restrictions :- Crowds were initially restricted to 8000 at half capacity, whichever was smaller.

Manager :- Jimmy McMullen took a war job, and worked only part time at Hillsborough. In April '42, much to his surprise, Wednesday decided not to renew McMullen's contract and Eric Taylor took over.

Guest Players :- As with WW1, Players from other clubs were allowed to guest for Wednesday.

Goal Average :- The 1940/41 North regional league was decided on goal average, since the teams played a variable number of matches.

United at Hillsborough :- Wednesday had played many home matches at Bramall Lane in the 19th century, but now it was United's turn to play at Hillsborough. Bramall Lane was bombed towards the end of the 40/41 season, and United played 5 home matches at Hillsborough, the first being the local derby with Wednesday.

Unplaced :- Wednesday were unplaced in the second competition of the Football League (North) as they did not play enough games to qualify.

Victory in Europe :- To celebrate the end of the war, Wednesday played a VE match at Bramall Lane (which United won 2-0).

FA Cup but no League :- In 1945/46 it was decided to bring back the FA Cup (as a two-legged competition for the only time in its history) but not the league. United were champions of the Football League (North) but since it wasn't the 'proper' league - no one cares.

National Service

Post War, players were still required to perform National Service, and several Wednesday players represented Wednesday in Forces matches.