Mel’s career can be divided into two distinct parts: 10 successful years with Sheffield Wednesday and 4 equally impressive years with Leeds United, interspersed with a brief spell at Rangers.
In 1988, Mel earned his only England cap in a friendly against Saudi Arabia. Earlier in his career, he played a key role in helping England win the 1984 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship, where he scored in the final against Spain. At the time of his England cap in 1988, he became the first Sheffield Wednesday player to be capped by England since the 1960s.
A dynamic and energetic right back, Mel’s powerful shooting and attacking prowess earned him the nickname ‘Zico’, after the Brazilian legend. Known for his surges down the right flank and accurate deliveries into the box, he contributed significantly to his teams’ success, often creating goals for his teammates and earning a reputation for his lengthy throw-ins. He signed for Sheffield Wednesday in the summer of 1978 and made his debut in the final two games of their 1978-79 Third Division campaign, scoring on his second appearance.
During his time at Sheffield Wednesday, Mel played 347 games and scored 49 goals. He was instrumental in their rise to the top flight, helping them reach the FA Cup semi-finals in 1983 and securing promotion to the First Division a year later after a 14-year absence. His finest season came in 1985-86 when he played 38 league games and scored eight goals, helping the Owls finish fifth in the First Division. However, the Heysel disaster prevented English clubs from competing in European competitions that season.
In March 1989, Mel was sold to Glasgow Rangers for £800,000, where he joined forces with manager Graeme Souness. His three goals in nine games helped Rangers secure their second Scottish league title in three seasons and their 39th overall.
In July 1989, Mel returned to England, joining Leeds United to work under his former Sheffield Wednesday manager, Howard Wilkinson. He quickly became a fan favourite at Elland Road, helping Leeds achieve promotion back to the First Division after an eight-year absence by securing the Second Division title with five goals in 42 league games.
During Leeds’ return to the top flight, Mel played a crucial role in the 1991-92 season, helping the club secure the Football League First Division title – the last season before the introduction of the Premier League. He scored six goals in 31 league games. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to an ankle injury in the autumn of 1992, forcing his early retirement from football.
