At sometime during the week our Central Heating Boiler must have developed a leak. First we knew of it, was when my wife saw water dripping onto the bathroom floor through a spotlight in the ceiling. I went into the loft to isolate the boiler and whilst I was there, I spotted on a shelf, a book entitled " Barnsley. A study in football 1953-59." The book is co-authored by Ian Alister and Andrew Ward. In his review of the book Parky says " a testament to my youth and a reinforcement of my point of view....a significant social document. " The book goes into minute detail concerning everyday life at Oakwell, as well as the Reds performances during that specific period. We have remarked how " together" today's squad seem to be and as I have started to read the book, it's evident that the players in the 50's were very much in it together and never missed an opportunity to have a laugh at " someone's expense". The first chapter records the happenings of Tuesday 31st March 1953. The majority of players made their way to Oakwell using public transport. They would meet up and walk down Belgrave Road together at 9-45.am. " At the bottom of the slope stood Oakwell, resplendent in red and white in contrast to the darker colours of Barnsley Main Colliery behind the ground. The players were making their way down the hill, when they nearly jumped out of their skins as a loud motor horn blasted behind them. They turned to see Johnny Kelly grinning over the steering wheel of his van.It was one of his favourite tricks to shut off the engine of his van and pull up on the pavement and freewheel behind his unsuspecting colleagues. Once at the ground they crossed Grove Street and without deviating, passed through the players entrance. One players particular party piece was to knock the doors open with his head. Unbeknown to him, the trainer had reversed the hinges on the door and unfortunately, as a result of head butting the door he laid himself out." The book has some great black and white photographs in it and I'm really looking forward to reading the remainder of the book from cover to cover.
I bought a copy for my dad back when it was published. I must still have it somewhere, I remember finding it in his house after he died. One of the authors lived in Cambridge when I worked there and I met up with him in a pub. He was the son of the then manager. One of the players who gets a mention, Gordon Duggins, used to work at Bretby (Coal board research place near Burton where I worked from 84 to 90) and he reffed a match I played in, we had a good chat in the bar afterwards.
I have a copy of that book, a great portrayal of a bygone era in football. I remember Andrew Ward used to travel on the school bus from Barnsley to QUEGS.
Meanwhile, I have a picture of said wife in wellingtons and paddling through the lounge cos you never said what the outcome of the leak was.
