Sorry for your loss, pal. Take solace in the knowledge that he had a life well lived and was on fine form to the end. He'll live on in the hearts and memories of every Red of an age to remember his immeasurable contribution to this proud club of ours. Though we never had the honour of knowing him like you did, to a small degree, as fans, we all share in your loss. You and your family have my most heartfelt sympathy at this most difficult time.
RIP Eric, keep your chin up Andy. Last spoke to him a few years ago at Donny Station, he was scouting for a club - surprised he recognised me. An old memory of Oakwell gone.
Condolences to the family and those who knew Eric personally. I first started going to Oakwell regularly in 1966 and can never forget that Winstanley/Howard partnership at the heart of our defence. I'm sure had it not been for a cruciate ligament injury that he suffered a couple of seasons prior to the 66/67 season he would have been destined for greater things. As a youth team coach he was responsible for some of the finest talent to come out of Oakwell in the modern era and of course he was part of Danny's coaching team when we were promoted to the Premier League. RiP Eric and thank you for the footballing memories you gave me.
Sad loss.Big Winnie was the star player for the Reds when we moved to Barnsley in 1967 and by chance new mates dragged me to Oakwell. Win lose or draw he always put in a shift. And I remember for a centre half got his name on the scoresheet regularly. Club Legend without doubt. Sincere condolences to you and your family.
My first BFC hero. Even now, all these years later, I can still picture him scoring the third of his three goals, with a colossal leap and header, against top of the table Watford to seal a 3-2 win after being 2-0 down. I think he got 15 goals that season. From centre-half!! What a fantastic player. What a sad day.
R.I.P. Mr Winstanley, you are now with our dearly departed Mams n Dads & you sir are in good company, I raise a pint to you owd warrior.
So sorry to hear this .my sympathy to his family. Eric was a true legend and son of Barnsley Fc. If he hadn't suffered serious injury at Luton in early 1965.I have always thought he would have been transfered to league 1 and probably made England squad in 1966. Came back to Barnsley and was part of team that guided us to Premier league in 1997. R I P Legend.thanks for all the great memories, as a young supporternyou inspired me to follow my local team instead of those up the m1
There are no words that I can add that haven't already been said. Big Winnie was a true club legend, but he was much, much more than that to you. May we all aspire to leave a legacy like he has.
So sorry for your loss, and RIP big Eric. Couldn't see how anybody was going to get past him and Pat Howard back in the day. Have many happy memories of those days
One of my first 'heroes', taking over from the great Duncan Sharp when he was still a teenager. One of our own, always part of our club, up there with Rimmo as a true legend.
Andrew. My heart is broken for you and your family. You're absolutely right. Your Dad is a legend and will always be a legend to me. I'm shedding tears as I write this. The world is that much darker tonight, as a shining light has been blown out. Love and condolences From Kevin, Crystal, Laura, Christopher & Becky.
Mate, not much that I can say that others haven't already. My thoughts and sympathies are with you and your family.
An absolute legend, and a huge part in some of the club’s (and indeed the whole town’s) greatest years. Condolences to his family and friends. Forever a red
RIP Eric, Stay strong TN and hopefully you will find solace in the fact that your dad was was held in the highest esteem by generations of fellow reds. I was lucky enough to see him play and even luckier to meet him by chance and have a pint with him and a long chat about all things Barnsley. Eric Winstanley epitomises everything about our great town and football club and will long live in our memory. Once a Red, always a Red, sleep tight Winnie!
Your dad was my 1st football hero - it’s so sad - thinking of you & your family at this saddest of moments
My very deepest sympathies to you TN. Your Dad was my football hero in my youth. Like Bryan Mahomey's Waist, Shy Talk and Old Gimmer I remember his hat-trick to beat Watford (I'm sure they were already champions of Division 3). I still can see one of his headers in that game - plus an overhead kick (from a centre-half !) he scored with against Bournemouth after coming back from a long injury lay-off. He's still alive in my memory and, I'm sure, a few other old buggers. I'm mildly surprised everyone's called him "Big Winnie", people would smile or laugh at me when I was at university and I'd sing the praises of "King Winnie" - I don't think I was the only person to call him this. My deepest sympathy to you and your loved ones.