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Former Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest midfielder Chris Bart-Williams dies at 49

Former Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest player Chris Bart-Williams has died at the age of 49. 

The midfielder came through the ranks at Leyton Orient before joining Wednesday for a then club-record £275,000 transfer fee in 1991. 

He played a key role in the Owls’ successes during the early 1990s, making over 150 senior appearances and scoring 24 goals. 

Bart-Williams moved to Forest in a deal worth around £2.5 million in 1995 and became a big hit at the City Ground. 

During his seven years at the Tricky Trees, he posted 245 appearances across all competitions, netting 35 goals. 

The Sierra Leone-born player also had spells at Charlton Athletic, Ipswich Town, Cypriot club APOEL and Maltese outfit Marsaxlokk. 

Wednesday released a statement on their website that read: “Sheffield Wednesday are deeply saddened at the passing of our former player Chris Bart-Williams. Bart-Williams died in America, aged just 49. 

“Our thoughts are with Chris’ and Trevor’s families and friends at this devastating time.” 


Bart-Williams’ death comes on the same day as that of Trevor Francis, who also played for both Forest and Wednesday. 

Francis became Britain’s first £1m footballer when he joined Forest from Birmingham City in 1979. 

The talented forward won 52 caps for the England national team and also lifted two European Cups with Forest. 

Francis also managed Bart-Williams when he was in charge of the Owls between 1991 and 1995. 

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