Beautifully written evocative poignant and sad from a true Oakwell hero and legend. Players come and players go. Managers come and managers go. Seasons fade as do we all. A football club like a town is the sum of its parts. The fans/people make it what it is. Patrick is one of us. The best of us. I can't imagine a time without him here.
Whilst we knew what your prognosis was Mr Cryne, it is immeasurably more painful to read your own words on it. How cruel life is and how undiscriminating that ******* disease cancer is. I have no words to begin to comfort you or your family. If I may though I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you without reservation for every single thing you have done for BFC. Yes you saved it, yes you've ploughed in millions. But I am thanking you for that and also for every decision you have ever made. Because whilst I won't have agreed with all of them, it is spectacularly obvious that every single one made was with the wellbeing of the club at the heart of it without a single thought for yourself. An oddity in the current world. I'm not now nor ever have been a Barnsley resident, I'm actually from donny (don't hold it against me...), I just support the football club. It was introduced to me as a child and infiltrated my being. I feel part of it and it part of me. This is in no small way thanks to you. I have introduced my son to the club, he's a season ticket holder now too. At just turned ten he is hooked. For life I imagine just like his dad. You may not have years of life to live but your legacy will not go with you. Whilst this football club exists you will forever remain an integral part of its history. Patrick Cryne the man may be mortal but Patrick Cryne the legend will live on. Thank you sir.
That really is a heartrending read, by such a sincere person of integrity. No idea how to reply to such a powerful piece, but I would like to take the opportunity to thank Patrick for all he has done and wish him and his family as much happiness as possible in the circumstances
As someone who like many others rattled buckets when the club was on its back I was immensely relieved when, as had been rumoured, he took over and saved the club. Since then there's been some amazing times for BFC, far outweighing the bad ones. Sometimes you don't know what you've got til it's gone. Chapeau.
Emotional read that, I can't really add anything that hasn't been mentioned already. A simple thankyou doesn't feel like it does justice to him. I hope you and your family find peace and draw some comfort and a smile from the sentiments on here.
Thank you Mr Cryne for all you've done for this wonderful club of ours. We owe you so much. Thanks also to your family whose love and support must be a great comfort to you. Peace and love to you all.
Very sad, wife who's not a fan was nearly in tears reading it. It's a shame that a time when he really got hands on it's been cut short. Cheers Patrick
That is quite frankly one of the most moving things I have read in my life. Mr Cryne, you are a legend. You will live on through your family & friends, but also thousands of us who love the club like you do. You had the balls to put your hands in your pocket & keep our dream alive.
Our club motto "spectemur agendo" never more fitting for any person at our club...than for this great man and for what he has done. I hope that when the time comes to pass on the ownership to new people they can follow his leadership and copy (even if its 50%) his honour ....code and respect for this great ..town...club and fans. Sir....i thank you