Sheffield Wednesday youngster Joe Emery hailed for 'elite-level mentality' by South Shields boss
A promising Sheffield Wednesday youngster has drawn praise from an ex-Premier League defender
Sheffield Wednesday prospect Joe Emery has an “elite-level mentality”, according to South Shields boss Mike Williamson.
19-year-old defender Emery has made seven senior appearances for the Owls but was allowed to depart on loan following an influx of new players over the summer.
He has linked up with South Shields in the sixth tier of English football, getting the chance to work under a former Premier League defender in Mike Williamson.
Sheffield Wednesday youngster hailed
Speaking to the Shields Gazette, ex-Newcastle United stalwart Williamson has lavished praise upon Emery.
He said: “Joe has got a first-class mentality, it’s an elite-level mentality. You saw his first game, those traits were in him during a really difficult afternoon but he never shied away even though he was cramping.
“He kept going and going. You saw his quality last week, this week, and there’s just no fuss.
“He’s very low maintenance and anything you ask him to do, it’s just a quick yes and he gets on with it. He’s class and I am really pleased with him.”
Joe Emery’s progress
Emery is a product of Charlton Athletic’s academy who penned his first professional contract with Wednesday in the summer of 2025.
Before heading out on loan to the National League North, the centre-back was tied to a new one-year contract containing an extension option.
He is one of many young players who was allowed to depart temporarily once Wednesday’s senior ranks had been bolstered.
Also out on loan are the likes of goalkeeper Logan Stretch, left-back Reece Johnson and forward Devlan Moses. Stretch and Moses have both joined sixth-tier Buxton, while Johnson is spending time with fifth-tier Eastleigh.