It comes with a great deal of sadness to have to say that my Dad passed away this morning suddenly. I know lots of you will know him from his days as a Barnsley FC player, but to me and my brother Mark, he was Dad. To his partner Debra, he was just Eric, and to my 3 children he was Grandad. He was the best bloke I ever met, he was a legend to us all without the football. We are all absolutely devastated and will continue to be for a long while yet. He has left a hole as big as the world. He was funny, caring and supportive of us all and without him our lives would be less. To all the Barnsley fans that put him in legendary status, you were right to, he deserved it. He worked tirelessly for the club from 1960 to the early 2000s. He loved the club and the people that made it great, the Barnsley people. He gave it his all, and we were rewarded with our trip to the Premier League full of local lads that he’d brought through the ranks himself. Even after he left he went to most home games and we would dissect the game passionately afterwards. It’s apt that the last time we saw him at our house he came to watch Barnsley against Swansea on Monday. We all hugged him before he left and told him we loved him. I will cherish that moment for ever. RIP Dad a Barnsley legend.
Oh mate. I’m so sorry for your loss. One of the most obvious Barnsley legends I’ve heard spoken about and always with such passion and positivity. Thoughts with you and all the family.
My deepest condolences mate, a wonderful man, player and obviously a brilliant dad, I'm very sorry for your loss.
I was talking earlier this week on this board about legends and true greats. Eric was exactly that. Met him a few times and he was an absolute gentleman. Sorry for your loss mate. I never comment on these kind of posts unless it's someone I truly respect.
My sincerest condolences to you TN and all the family. He truly was my first Hero. RIP Eric Winstanley.
The word legend is banded around too easily these days but your dad deservedly is definitely in that bracket mate, Rip big Eric, thoughts are with you and your family mate.
I want to put on record that the club are aware and are working towards communicating the news on their media. Whitey and the team have been great and are wanting to do something to honour his career with the reds.
So sorry to read this, condolences and best wishes to you and all the family. The term ‘Legend’ gets bandied around far too much these days. But it applies here. RIP Eric x
I’m so sorry to hear that - and my thoughts are with you and the rest of the family. Well done for posting - he will always be a BarnsleyFC legend.
Sorry for your loss fella. We've lost a true reds legend today. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Deeply saddened to hear this news , Eric was a true hero to me , deepest condolences to all the family & friends