Wheeler was one of those rare people who could command a huge presence without making anyone feel uncomfortable. In fact, it was quite the opposite. People felt safe, cared for, listened to, and generally like the best version of themselves around Wheeler. You were always guaranteed to have a smile on your face when being around Wheeler, and that’s a power not everyone has. He didn’t take himself too seriously, and whilst he was the first to read you for filth, he was also the first to read himself – which was quite easy, given some of his cracking but questionable outfit choices on a Sunday afternoon in Barnes!

Wheeler was the first football manager I had who prioritised fun and inclusion over winning. He helped me, and many others, appreciate the bigger picture of sport and Titans as a club, and I’ll always be very grateful for that. I’ll really miss his laugh, his outfits, his ridiculously quick wit, and most of all, his love for London Titans and everyone who is part of it. Our club will have such a deep hole without Wheeler, but I know the legacy he’s left and the impact he’s had on hundreds of LGBTQ+ players will live on for a very long time.

Thank you for being such a whirlwind of joy, Wheeler. Rest well. x