Thanks mate. It’s one year today and as I’ve said before there’s not a day goes past where I don’t think about him. My mum had a stroke on Sunday and is in hospital currently recovering. Posts like yours helps me get through what has been our annus horribilis. much love.
Well said mate. My best memory of the big fella is the day our season tickets went on sale for the PL, back in May 1997. I was second in the queue, so got sorted early. Went inside Oakwell, and after an hour or so the players, DW and Big Eric came out for an official photo. I got everyone's autograph, had a chat with them all, but Eric's reaction was the best when I said well done on promotion. He put on his big moustachey grin and beamed "It's great innit!" RIP Big man
I'm too young to have seen him play and so I can't speak about him with the authority of some of the older heads on here, but everything I hear about him suggests he was a real force for good within the club, and a massive loss. I've been reading a book where the author interviews various Barnsley players about their favourite match in a red shirt and he gets a specific mention in the author's introduction. RIP
Oh to to have Big Eric and Pat Howard in our back four next season! ( or more important last season!)
Re the namings of stands. I'm a bit unsure as to players names being used. There is a finite number of stands and some are sponsored. I rather like the legends as in the legends suite. The legends stand has a nice ring to it for me. Put all the names alongside it. Added to when selected. Massive fan of Eric's btw. My first footballing hero. But would also include Cryne John Dennis snr/jnr Norman (Rimmo) Murphy Glavin Clarke Steele (Johnny) Redders. Etc.
I feel very fortunate to have had the privilege to have met and known Eric. The man definitely deserves a stand in his honour. None of the ‘special podcast’ could have happened without the organisation of Paul Wilkinson (Wilkinson’s Barbers, Regent Street South) - where Eric was a loyal customer, when he was at home. For those who haven’t listened previously, here’s the links to that unforgettable evening, when we enjoyed a few drinks together and talked about Eric’s fantastic career. https://www.onthepontyend.com/p/podcasts.html?m=1