Many condolences to you and your family, some players are synonymous with one club and Eric Winstanley meant Barnsley fc ... I was lucky enough to see him play and the club has sadly lost a legend today, hope the messages of support and sympathy posted here today are of some small comfort to you all A true Barnsley man and a legend of the club.............
Never saw him play but my dad never tired of telling me about him. Deepest condolences Terry. A true Barnsley legend RIP.
Condolences to you and your family TN , your Dad was a true legend , I met him a few times as a kid when I used to hand out team sheets for Barnsley Boys in 1970/71 and some of the first team squad were watching and in the Directors canteen , I was in awe . Sad day
Very, very sad to hear this Terry. 10 years of age, April 1968 v. Brentford was the first time I set foot in Oakwell. Eric was captain and colossus at centre half, with trusty lieutenant Pat Howard by his side. Captain and mainstay of a promotion-winning side in my first year following Barnsley FC. A great player in the following years, and undoubtedly someone who could have gone on to a higher level had injury not intervened. Later on, he played a crucial role in our greatest period ever - the promotion to the Premier League and the highly creditable season we played in that division. Renowned as a hard taskmaster, but revered by those he coached. As others have said, 'legend' barely touches it. A great, great Barnsley FC hero. More personally Terry, both Mrs Kaht and I lost our fathers last year. It is a great wrench. But mate, I honestly and truly believe such people live on with us forever. In many situations you and yours will hear the words the old man would have spoken in many situations. The humour, and the outright 'Barnsleyishness'. I'm not overly religious, but God comfort you in your loss, and take some solace from the fact that Eric was revered not just by you and your family, to whom he was most important, but to many thousands of we grateful Barnsley fans. Good night and God bless, Eric. RIP.
RIP Eric and I’m so sorry for your loss. We’re all grateful of the shift he put in for the club through thick and thin. He’s done us all proud.
Think it was Neil Redfearn who said that he was the real unsung hero behind our promotion to the prem. Thanks for the memories Big Eric RIP
Really sorry to hear that mate. I hope knowing so many people share the sense of loss with you offers some comfort. Drop me a line if you need an ear mate, I went through it in 2001 and know how it feels to lose that rock in your life.
Sorry for your loss. His time at Barnsley was largely before my time following the club but my Dad & Grandad spoke highly of him & I don’t think I’ve ever heard a negative word said about him which is rare in this game & shows how well regarded he was. RIP
Gutted to hear of the passing of a boyhood hero and a true Barnsley FC legend. I'll never forget his hat-trick against Watford when Johnny Steele sent him up front at half time and he single handedly turned a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 win. Deepest sympathy for the Winstanley family, and may Big Winnie himself rest in peace.
"People often ask me who was the best player I ever played with and I always say Eric Winstanley. He was the perfect all-round centre-back - tall, good on the ball and good in the air. He would keep attackers quiet and be a threat at the other end from set-pieces. If he hadn't injured his knee ligaments in his early twenties, I honestly believe he would have played for England." Barry Murphy, 2020
RIP. My thoughts are with you and your family. A BFC legend of the highest order. An absolute Oakwell hero. Such a loss, but his memory will always live on.
Really sorry to hear this news. Devastated What a bloke. One of the best this town has ever produced in the sporting world. **** Dickie Bird. The town should have had a statue of him for what he’s helped the town and club achieve over the years as a player, as a coach but more importantly.....as a man. Can I just thank you Andy for allowing us to have shared him as a person with our football club. Thank You for ERIC WINSTANLEY Absolute fecking legend
You grow up as kids thinking your parents are immortal and that things will never change. As you mature there's a realisation that there will be a parting sometime in the future. But when it comes, its devastating nonetheless, and it has to be that way, because that's how important love is. So sorry for your loss.
I was fortunate to see Eric play many times. I was even there when he scored 3 times against Watford and he put one in the next game too. RIP Eric.