Sad news indeed. R.I.P. Bobby. Manager at one the most trying times for Barnsley Football Club. Despite being more financially restricted than other managers of our club in recent times, he still managed to bring in players who would become Barnsley stalwarts for years to come (Thomas, Futcher, Baker). Had we not lost Stuart Gray for the entire season and the young Steve Agnew (who was a striker at the time) for most of the season both through injury, we may well have finished even higher than we did. We certainly would've had the opportunity to play a more attractive style of football. Having to sell David Geddis against his wishes also had a damaging effect on the club. With a bit of luck, we could well have had Geddis, Agnew, Gray & Owen banging in the goals all season, whilst the likes of May, Futcher & Baker would've kept things tight at the back.
I'm always impressed by your distinct and factfull memories of the past seasons and it always brings back memories of my own which were way at the back of my mind. It would be good if you could get your memories written down from a fans view of things I think it would do verywell either on its own or say in the wsb mag or similar.
Thank you, mate, for your kind words. However, I can only see my ramblings being of use to insomniacs!
Agreed Marlon, Big Lil has a very good memory indeed. Plus he tells a good story. I haven't been on here long, but I enjoy reading most of Big Lil's posts.
Bobby endured the hardest tenure of any manager I can remember. Following the glory years of Clarke and Hunter, into the dark days of the strike and a 300% fall in home gates. I was too young to really appreciate the enormity of that task and too fond of Norman to really take to Bobby as a manager. But in hindsight he steadied the ship in the most trying time of the town's history, let alone the club's. Building a side that would last well into the 90s, forming a platform for what was to come. Sincerest condolences to Bobby's family. I'm sure the club will mark his passing appropriately at the next home game.
They won't, it's solid bone anyway! Crystal has a knack of taking me down a peg or two when she thinks I need it!
RIP Bobby, most of the 80's were great times for our club and Bobby was a big part of that, condolences to his family... I also wouldn't have thought he was that age
Big Lil was the wages manager at work, I've never met him but spoke to him on wages matters loads of times and I can confirm I have never talked to anybody with such an incredible memory, bearing in mind how many people worked at Stocksbridge at the time and the fact I had 20+ people in my team, every time I phoned him about a query and mentioned a name he rattled of their clock at once without any prompting. Incredible. But then again having seen pics of him in his leotard I would say that wouldn't I.
Pink leotards were standard issue for all Payroll Managers, mate! And thank you. My ego has certainly taken an undeserved massaging tonight.
RIP Bobby and condolences to his family. Those of us who saw him will ever forget the skin-tight tracksuit he wore that would fit a 12-year old? He was such a tiny fella (height-wise at least!) but when you combined his Scottish accent, fiery words and infectious energy he certainly packed a punch. Will be fondly remembered by me from this side of the Atlantic.