Possibly high profile, Though I was more excited about the prospect of signing hignet all those years.
For me, it'd have to be The signing of Allan Clarke as player/manager in 1978. For a Fourth Division club to capture such an outstanding player was in itself a stunning coup. On top of that, Clarke's appointment was a whirlwind for both the club and town. He revitalised Barnsley Football Club in a way that hadn't been seen before, or since. The club became the main topic of conversation in the workplace, schools, pubs & clubs and everything was positive.
In my time watching 'em, probably. In terms of player recognition anyway. Add to that list: - Dyer - Sheron - Hignett - Vaz Te - Harewood
I'd never heard of Vaz Te Didn't have a clue who he was. Had to look him up on Soccerbase. I've heard of Mido. He played for Roma and Tottenham. He was at one stage a super star striker. He never really had the same talent, but he was talked about along side the likes of Van Nistlerooy and Henry. In terms of player recognition he's streets ahead of Vaz Te. Only really Alan Clarke could claim to have the same level of fame as far as ex Barnsley players go. And maybe Viv Anderson as he was the first black player to play for England.
Re: I'd never heard of Vaz Te Agree completely, he didn't have as good a record but I think a lot of people who watch Match of the Day and follow Premiership football will have heard of Vaz Te. Which is more than you can say for a load of players recently.
Re: I'd never heard of Vaz Te My dad used to point Ian Banks out (second spell) when l was a kid down at Oakwell, like he was some ex world footballer of the year, l often wondered why because all l saw was this overweight footballer with a huge arse running around. Apparently he could play a bit in his first spell. I think the biggest anticipation of a player was a certain Hristov... record signing and first million pound footballer, international, record shirt sales in the club shop and scored a beaut against Ireland. Once he scored that header against Bolton l thought this is it......