Alan Quinn started his career in Dublin playing for the Cherry Orchid club. In 1997 he started his English club career at Sheffield Wednesday and made his first appearance as a substitute in 97/98 and the following season made his first start. His career took off in 1999 and by the end of his time at the club he had played 178 League games and had scored 17 times. He has also previously been on loan to Sunderland and made 6 appearances for them.