We didn't tail off as a result of selling players though as far as I can remember. 4-3 defeat to Exeter will never leave my own particular mental chamber of horrors.
You're right, we didn't. At the time, I thought we did which is why I had the immature attitude I did.
Lol, I wasn't taking issue with you. More seeking clarification. It's funny, I can't remember being that antagonistic towards Iley though maybe I've just forgotten. I'd have been about the same age as you. Perhaps I'm a lifelong happy clapper What I would say is we had our best shot at promotion in the first of those two years which generated expectation. In the second attempt we were never quite on the pace to go up which probably led to greater frustration. It's a long time ago!
At the time, I thought it was a pathetically low fee for Pickering, the same as the ones for Butler & Doyle the previous year. Mick Pickering went from the Barnsley first team straight into the Southampton first team, playing in nearly every game as they won promotion from the Second to the First Division the following season. Pickering was sold for less money than Stewart Barraclough, when he left for a then club record fee of £40,000 to Newcastle way back in 1970.
We really were on our uppers back then. Touch and go whether we survived. I hope the club mark Jim's passing. He played a part in reviving us.
I'd like to add my condolences on here. I don't really remember the Iley era, my memory... old age... but I do recall all the chants of Iley out, Dennis out !! Had the very latter of that happened then our subsequent history would probably have been very different. Anyroadon, RIP Jim.
If yer aint worked it art then yell hev to be int dark. By the way this was a disgruntled Barnsley player telling a dozen or so disgruntled fans so was it an excuse or the truth.