Of a short height, Wise came to prominence as a member of the ‘Crazy Gang’ at Wimbledon FC in the late ‘80s. Born in London, we take a look at some of the best quotes about Dennis Wise.
Starting out as a youth with Southampton FC Wise enjoyed success with both Wimbledon and Chelsea winning six major trophies in a long 17-season career with the two clubs.
His greatest moment with ‘The Dons’ came in the 1988 FA Cup final when the team beat the hot favourites Liverpool, providing for the winning goal, having scored the winner in the semi-final victory.
Having signed for Chelsea in 1990, he stayed at Stamford Bridge for 11 years, having won a Cup Winners’ Cup, the League Cup, and the FA Cup twice in his time there.
Apart from being the club’s second most successful captain, Wise was also one of the top appearance makers for the side, as well as being named The Blues player of the season twice.
After his time at Chelsea, he spent the next five years with four different clubs, managing to take up a role as an assistant/ caretaker manager during that time as well as competing on the field of play.
Known for his rugged and hard style of play, Wise also participated in 21 international games for England, recording his one and only goal in his debut match.
“He always brought it in the big games. In esteemed company, he was the man, so all credit to him for that.”
Ste Tudor (football writer)
“…..helped me find a house, buy a house, so it was the best bit of advice…..it was the best bit of advice that I could have had…..he always not only had his eye on the first team but had an interest in the younger boys.”
John Terry
“…..you always have the one who understands about football more than others…..I think Dennis is in a very unique position, we knew Dennis from our collaboration in the youth program that we worked together for the Indonesian boys.”
Mirwan Suwarso (Mola TV representative/Como football club)
“He made himself into a top-class player – he was always looking for the ball but there was that edge…..”
Bobby Gould (former Wimbledon manager)
“…..with his considerable energy and intelligence…..will each help us to secure success for Newcastle at all levels for the long-term.”
Chris Mort (Newcastle chairman)
“Dennis is underestimated intellectually. He was such a passionate player on the pitch that people assume that intellectually his is limited, but I can assure you he is not…..I think director of football is probably a role he will enjoy.”
Theo Paphitis (Millwall chairman)
“…..he was a bloody good footballer, he really was.”
Ste Tudor
“But he was one of the best midfielders in England even despite his physical size…..He’s the only manager who ever took a second division side to the final of an FA Cup final…..we even like his attitude and that shaped up really well as he does his job in Como…..he believes chemistry is very important, he picks the right players, the right team.”
Mirwan Suwarso
“The ageless Dennis Wise, now in his thirties…..”
Martin Tyler (former television commentator)
“We had probably our best ever Player of the Year Dance last week. You elected Dennis Wise as Player of the Year. Dennis accepted his award mimicking Vialli, whereupon Zola shouted ‘Speak English’, Dennis switched to his normal Cockney voice only for Zola to shout ‘You’re still not speaking English.”
Ken Bates (former Chelsea chairman)