Jack Charlton, a World Cup winner for England, became the manager of Sheffield Wednesday in October 1977 after previously managing Middlesbrough. He transformed Wednesday from relegation contenders into a solid third division team, leading them to promotion to the second division the following season. Two years later, he brought them within one point of promotion to the first division before resigning in 1983.

His time in club management was awkward. After leaving Leeds after the 1972-73 season, he began managing Middlesbrough and quickly found success, leading them to the 1st division. After four years, he left, thinking it was time for a change, but later regretted that decision.