Background
Wade was born in Stoke-on-Trent and began his career with local side Newcastle Town.
Wade was born in Stoke-on-Trent and began his career with local side Newcastle Town.
He was given a chance to play professional football by Stoke City manager Lou Macari quite belatedly at the age of 24. He made just one appearance for Stoke which came as a substitute in a 1–1 at home to Sheffield United in November 1994. A cruciate knee ligament injury killed off his chances of a professional career and he returned to Newcastle Town.