With so many legends and heroes having passed through the changing room of the Sheffield Bankers, we thought it was only right that we began to have a look at some Bankers whose reputations haven't diminished despite either hanging up the boots or moving away.

To launch the new segment, we tracked down perennial Banker, and famous baldy, Jack Spellman, Jack played for the club from 2005 to 2012, originally beginning with the Reserves, he finished his time with the club playing for the Firsts, although his often forgotten last game came whilst representing the at the time hastily assembled Pavilion, and managing to miss a pen in the "Spellman cup" clash between the 1st's and Pav's. Spellman would later atone by converting another pen soon after.

Sit down with Wolves: How did you first get involved in football?

Spellman: As long as I can remember I’ve played football, my Dad used to take me to the park and just kick a ball at me, I loved it. I joined the local side when I was about 8 or 9 and played ever since, my Dad wasn’t a huge football fan but he never missed watching me in a single game.

SDWW: How did you get involved with the Bankers?

Spellman: I moved to Sheffield and knew no one, I thought the best thing I could do would be to join a football team, I got in touch with Jim Calvert who was the chairman back then, he invited me to training at High Storres school. I was immediately made to feel very welcome, particularly by John Stott and Chris Ellis, I had other training sessions lined up with other sides, but never bothered going. I’d found my team, I knew immediately.

SDWW:What is your best memory about your time with the club?

Spellman: So many to choose from, but beating Thorncliffe away has to be my favourite. It was lashing it down all morning, huge pitch, they had a large gang of fans watching and we were 3-1 down at half time. We barely even wanted to go back out into the rain after half time, but I remember Chris Magson storming out there demanding we show some bottle, we turned them over 5-3 in the end, Rob Jerrsion netting an exquisite 5th. I remember Greg celebrating in the shower afterwards. It was such a laugh in the dressing room after and we drove to the Banner to get battered.

SDWW:If you had to pick your all time Bankers 11, who would be in it and why?

Spellman:
GK – Scott Dinnigan, big frame, huge kick, great shot stopper, vocal, amazing goal keeper.
RB – Matt Taylor – not really a right back I know, but great technique, very fast and an intelligent player, you could play out from the back with him there.
LB – Risho – maybe not an obvious choice, but solid player, crucially has the know-how to win a game of football, tactically aware.
CB – Greg Ashmore – out and out winner, dominant in the air and in the tackle, just needs a calming influence next to him
CB - Mark Evans – surely one the best players to ever play for the club, never really had the pleasure to play with him, but trained with him and watched him numerous times, positionally immaculate, great touch, calm, determined. Could have been a centre mid too.
LM – Rob Jerrison - a maverick of immense skill, pace and power with an eye for goal, needs keeping in line but plenty of players in this team to do that
DMC – Joe Lodge – calm, assured, good technique, good in the air.
CM – Mike Russell – my proudest achievement for this club is signing this guy, superb all round footballer, top top bloke. I was due to leave Sheffield 1 year earlier than I did, but he signed so I thought I'd have to stay and play at least one year with this fella.
CM – Stuart Brunton Douglas – Bankers hugely underrated this guy, technically superb, strong as an Ox, knew how to score. Quality player.
RM - Sami Eric – technically superb, great energy, great vision, determined. Attitude the only thing stopping him from being a player at a much higher level.
CF – Alex Popple – strongest physically and mentally I played with at the club. Complete and utter winner through and through, technically sound. A leader of men.

SDWW:Is it true that you are credited with creating the highly original nickname Wolves?

Spellman: Confirmed – will never forget the day the guy turned up to training, in his Wolves kit, slightly nerdy but a highly intriguing individual and confident guy. Liked him immediately. Disrespectfully referred to him as Wolves all night and it stuck, he loved it (I think) went from liking him to loving him when he chanted ‘sit down shit speech’ much to the horror of his girlfriend at an Xmas party.

SDWW:What is your best or most cherished goal for the bankers?

Spellman: Not many to choose from here, but did get one in a 2-1 win over the medics playing for the 2’s, was the winning goal against a good side. I was deployed in a central midfield slot with Robert Parker and we went on a bit of a winning run. It was a corner and ball hit my shoulder and went in, I had literally nothing to do with it but celebrated like I’d scored a bicycle kick from the half way line in the World Cup Final.

SDWW:What was the best goal anyone scored during your time with the club?

Spellman: Tricky, but will go for David Gardener away at Penistone Church, it was an evening game under flood lights, lashed it down all game, they had loads of people watching, they were a really good side, all big and strong, top of the league, and we were on a bad run, we were 1-0 down the whole game but had played well, we deserved a point, David volleyed one in the top bin in the last minute, we lost it big time!

SDWW:What do you feel was your best ever performance for the club?
Spellman: That same game, I played right back, Gardener said in the pub after my pass completion must have been in the 90%’s. Sure it wasn’t but really enjoyed the game. It was a game where everyone found something extra.

SDWW: And final question, what have you been up to since you left the Bankers?

Spellman: Moved to London, I only play Sunday league football now, with all my old mates, it’s great fun, but much less serious. Other than that just working and living in the Capital. I do very much miss Sheffield though.

Sit down with Wolves would like to thank Jack for giving up his time to talk with us, please feel free to suggest what Bankers you would like to see up next, and feel free to comment with questions you'd like to see asked!

until next time, stay FBGM-ing!

#sdww