I have just been going through boxes of Barnsley FC memorabilia with a view to getting rid of some of it. As always though I have ended up reading old programmes and old newspaper articles and throwing nothing away. One article in particular is from the Sunday Times of 6 December 1981 and is headed "Barnsley under the Norman Conquests". If I knew how to I would scan it and put it on here but instead I will have to quote from it. It could have been written about what is happening down at Oakwell now. Here are some extracts: (Sunday 6 December 1981 by the way was the weekend after we beat Manchester City in the League Cup.) "Barnsley has been largely ill-used by outside observers who tend to portray it as something akin to hell. Or even Wigan. But, for many of its inhabitants, to be in Barnsley these days is very heaven." "While football almost everywhere else in England is caught in a painful and impoverishing vice of indifference and unpleasantness, Barnsley is floating upwards on balloons of pleasantness and difference.'' "Barnsleyites travel in droves to away games - like Middlesborough where 15,000 arrived to the astonishment of all" "There are strange new cultures abroad. Young men sit in pubs watching videos of Barnsley games and 400 of the faithful did not baulk one night to paying £1.50 a head to watch a video of the lads stuffing Brighton." And then there was Norman Hunter. "When Hunter succeeded Clarke as manager he added two more pluses: attacking football and charm. For Norman Hunter when he is not running towards you in football boots, is, you may be surprised to know, a very engaging fellow. The players love him and 'play for him' and the crowd loves him too." I know a number of you have alluded to the 1980s team in the last few days but this reminds us what a good time that was and from my point of view the parallels to today are many. Fans engaged and going in numbers to away games, great (positive) atmosphere at Oakwell, players and manager signed up to the project, a great sense of togetherness and a manager (ok head coach) of great charm who together with Tommy Wright has brought us bright attacking and entertaining football. And we've got money in the bank!
I was one of those who paid £1:50 to watch a video of Barnsley stuffing Brighton. Twas in the Coach and Horses up Sheffield Road. Edit The video was in house as the match wasn't televised
If that was us stuffing them in the League Cup I was at the game. I was 12 and already a veteran, having started early/mid 70s in the days of Jim Iley. What happened under Clarke/Hunter compares with Danny Wilson 1 and the miracle of last season for me. Long may this current buzz and success continue. In Hecky and Tommy I trust.
Was also at the game a few days before . Aylots long range goal. Stephen Foster was playing for them along with Tony Grealish Jimmy case and I think a certain Andy Ritchie was on the books,it was on the road to that great night at anfield via a 1;0 victory at Oakwell over Man city.
The night that shot from City's Tommy Hutchison seemed to hit the underside of the crossbar and the inside of the post and still somehow not go in. Our winner - Banks to Aylott? - always reminds me of the Delaney/Odejayi Chelsea goal. Other memories include Mike Gatting's brother playing for Brighton and getting to Anfield at half-time after a treacherous trip over on a freezing night. Then replay to another packed house, dustbin man Colin Walker header, highlights on Sportsnight?, Phil Thompson getting clattered by Walker and whinging a lot.. Must have been about 35,000 in on those magical nights.
Think Liverpool had four international captains playing for them. Phil Neale. Alan Hanson or Graham Souness can't remember which. Ian Rush, could be wrong. And each of the Irish teams I think. Someone will put me right hopefully.
About 10 minutes of highlights from the Man City game used to be on YouTube, I think it was what was broadcast on BBC Sportsnight, with the great Barry Davies. I think it's been removed due to copyright breach, which is harsh if that's the case, given its nearly 35 years ago. Hutchinson shot was on there, just as described. The Aylott goal is still available. https://youtu.be/HfWH26-r6zg
Remember my dad going on the coach to Liverpool in sheer fog, seems like a strange story but a swan hit their windscreen, they arrived late and a Reds fan was stabbed from my distant recall. I went to the replay at Oakwell as I was too young for the trip to Anfield. They were great times and were the catalyst for my love affair with the Reds.
The Coach and Horses got a special mention in the article as the pub which sent most fans to away games.
Went everywhere with the Coach & Horses during the 80/81 & 81/82 seasons. I'd just started work and spent most of the money on following the Reds (& a bit on beer....). There would be at least a couple of buses from the Coach go to most games.
That's the long version I meant, cheers. Unfortunately, comes up as video not available. Don't know whether it's copyright, geographical or something specific to my android device?
Works on mine. I doubt it'll be geographical or copyright so probably your device isn't working, as the actress etc.
Yep it certainly was packed could hardly breathe. Went all over with coach and horses ,bloke who ran it was a Millers fan , Hoggy was driver most times he worked for Trackys and I think they allowed his shift Rota to coincide with away trips but could be wrong about that . Can also remember Coach doing player of the year or summat like that and most of players turned up. Can remember sat in middle of banger,macca and Joe Joyce . Great memories .
