Sturrock revitalised Sheffield Wednesday 's fortunes and they finished fifth in League One at the end of the 2004 -- 05 season, qualifying for the promotion playoffs. They defeated Brentford 3 -- 1 on aggregate in the semi-finals, moving them into the playoff final on 29 May 2005 at the Millennium Stadium. 41,000 Wednesdayites descended on Cardiff for what was the biggest game in twelve years for the club. They were n't to be disappointed as the Owls took a 1 -- 0 lead through Jon - Paul McGovern on the stroke of halftime. However, Hartlepool fought back and took a 2 -- 1 lead with 20 minutes of the game remaining. Sturrock made a brave triple substitution bringing on 18 - year - old striker Drew Talbot and the Owls ' top scorer of the season, Steve MacLean (who had been out injured for the previous three months and had not kicked a ball). They combined with 10 minutes left as the Owls levelled the game 2 -- 2. Talbot was adjudged to have been pushed down inside the box and Sheffield Wednesday were awarded a controversial penalty, which also resulted in the dismissal of Hartlepool player Westwood. MacLean duly slotted home the resultant penalty. They went on to win 4 -- 2 after extra time, goals from Glenn Whelan and Drew Talbot, achieving promotion to the Championship.
when did sheffield wednesday get promoted to championship
29 May 2005