Denis Smith attempts to sign Gary Owers from Sunderland in 1994
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 29, 2026, 5:00 AM
Last updated Jun 29, 2026
On June 29, 1994, Denis Smith made a £300,000 bid for Sunderland midfielder Gary Owers. After Sunderland's relegation to the third tier, Smith sought to reunite with Owers, who he had previously managed. However, Sunderland manager Mick Buxton rejected the offer, citing Owers' value and potential. Owers indicated his desire to prove his worth at Sunderland, where he had a year remaining on his contract. Both club and player seemed aligned towards continuing their journey together for the upcoming season.
- •Denis Smith bids £300,000 for Gary Owers from Sunderland
- •Sunderland manager Mick Buxton rejects Smith's offer
- •Owers has a year left on his contract with Sunderland
- •Owers expressed ambition to succeed at Sunderland
- •Smith had a prior connection with Owers as manager
- 5:00 AMYahoo Sports — On This Day (29th June 1994): Smith Looks To Reunite With Sunderland Midfielder!
"Could Denis Smith’s £300,000 bid have changed Gary Owers’ Sunderland story? As the club rebuilt after relegation, one of Denis Smith’s old favourites found himself at a crossroads on Wearside.
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