Best winger to play for Barnsley fc

My dad was always talking about Johnny Kelly from the late 40s, early 50s, but I never saw him. Our wingers when I was at junior school in the late 50s, Arthur Kaye and Johnny McCann, were once described as "the best pair of wingers in the Second Division". Kaye was chosen for the Football League team and England U23, and McCann won a cap for Scotland B. Kaye was quick and direct and had an eye for goal, whereas McCann was known for his delicate touch and superb body swerve, which I tried, unsuccessfully, to emulate on Churchfield during playtime at St. Mary's Juniors' School. McCann was an early favourite of mine. I played in kickabouts with Stewart "Pot" Barrowclough on a field behind Mottram Street, before the YEB took over the site. He was very tricky and had an excellent career, playing many games in the First Division for Newcastle, where he provided a lot of assists for the prolific goalscorer, Malcolm MacDonald. Barrowclough did well for us too, when he returned to Oakwell. However, my favourite winger has to be Adam Hammill, who provided many memorable moments. Apart from his magnificent Wembley goals, surely no one who was there could forget Hammill's stellar performance in the 5-2 thrashing of Leeds.

 

My late Dad always used to tell me that there were gates that would open because Kelly was so speedy he found it hard to stop before he'd run in to the concrete perimeter at the Kop or the Ponte. He was sometimes prone to exaggerations!

 

I am surprised that Vas Te didn't get a mention before P2.

 

Harvey Barnes..

I took a ball in the face from Stewart Barrowclough one game when I was a bairn. Lower West Stand clearance. Specs went flying, busted nose, blood everywhere. To be fair, he kept checking I was ok, even 2nd half when he was on the other wing.

 

Was that the old club i.e. Netherwood Hall or the one built in the 60s and demolished a few years ago?

 

surely that was Gavin smith ?

 

Quite possibily, it was many years ago when he used to regale me with tales like that.

 

Can’t disagree with most mentioned, but going to throw another name in the ring, Michael Mcindoe, them few months he was with us he was our best player.

 

Im glad somebody mentioned Blackadder's & Mr Bean's twin brother, Owen Archdeacon.

 

I’m definitely in the Hammill or Bullock camp. Loved watching both play. Oddly I probably wouldn’t fit either into an all time XI but that’d be down to formation. Good bench options though!

 

Hamill probably takes this poll, i liked Alan Birch when he played for us.

 

I loved Jamal Campbell-Ryce, but it's a toss up between Hammill and Disco

 

Bullock was absolutely integral to the way we played under Wilson. The way the he would sometimes just swap wings with Marcelle or even Shez was ridiculous. It must have been a complete and utter nightmare for defenders. Should have gone on to bigger and better things, Bullock. Who can forget Sol Campbell, one of the best defenders in the world at the time, being left on his arse more than once by Bullock.

 

Makes me realise one of the main things I miss in the modern game... Wingers who can take on players get round the back get to the by line and put pinpoint crosses in. Used to get the adrenaline going watching players like Earnshaw, Barraclough, Bullock, to name but 3, giving defenders a torrid time.
What has happened to the modern game with slow build ups and 'tippy tappy' stuff?

It may have been 2nd division but what a match that was. Rotherham and Barnsley going at it full on. Both showing lots of skill and pace. Shows how far the 'product on offer' has fallen when it comes to entertainment value especially given the admission price comparison between then and now.

 

Martin Bullock, no contest. Played at the highest level and made some great defenders look stupid.

 

Martin Bullock and Barnard for me. Played at the highest level. Followed by Devaney and Hammill. Then Harvey Barnes and Ryan Kent. Honourable mentions to Nicky Eaden, Owen Archdeacon and John Curtis.

 

There's been a lot of talk about Martin Bullock and Adam Hammill amongst others in relation to "best Winger" and I have enormous regard for what these two did for Barnsley FC but to me they were not true wingers. I think Barrowclough may be the last such player to turn out for The Reds.

Honourable mentions for these wide players

Gordon Owen
Owen Archdeacon
Martin Devaney
Nicky Eaden
Darren Barnard

Feel free to remind me of any others I might have forgotten...

 

I blame Pep Guardiola, first at Barca now at City. I firmly believe that the wheel will turn full circle and the fast and skilful winger will make a comeback. I seem to remember that spinners almost died out back in the 70s in the relentless desire for fast bowling but now no team is complete without at least 1 spinner and they get more than just the occasional over.

 

I see Eaden and Barnard as full backs or wing backs rather than out and out wingers hence no mention from me.

Interesting that there has been no mention of Dean Gorre and Kevin Betsy.

 

Stuart Ripley?