This message was the toughest thing I’ve ever had to write..

So sorry for your loss x

 

So sorry for your loss Andy.

Thanks for the memories Big Eric RIP

 

This is genuinely sad, sad news. I personally don't know anyone who has a negative word to say about Eric Winstanley. We all have our individual memories of him as player, coach, manager or person and like every single contributor who has posted my thoughts are all good ones.
Best wishes to you and all your family. Your father helped bring a lot of joy to many thousands of Barnsley people.
X

 

So sorry to hear this sad news, sincere condolences to you Terry and your family, your Dad was one of my first ever Football hero's as a young Reds fan....a Proper Bbc FC Legend

 

On behalf of us all I thank each and every one of you.

The Facebook messages, the messages on here, the Clubs response by Whitey and his colleagues have got us through today, especially my kids. Being able to see their grandad going ‘Viral’ has been a massive tonic.

I’ve cried my heart out, he’s not been well, but he’s been ok, so it’s still a shock.

Over the coming weeks I’ll be a bit more candid about some of the stories about my old man. We tried to get him to write a book but he had no interest. He didn’t think any one would be bothered, he was just Eric from the Tarn.

Based on today’s showing he wasn’t and I’m proud to call him my Dad and someone lots of you hold dear.

Speaking to Danny, John Dennis, Redders, Nicky, Lidds, Taggs, Jon Parkin etc earlier on the phone and text and feeling the absolute love and respect was incredibly humbling.

Again, thanks for your kind words, they’ve helped so much that we can’t thank you enough.

It’s been a tough day, but you lot have made a giant difference.

Much Love and COYRs!

 

I’m devastated to read this as I got in from work.

I’m not old enough to have seen him play but he was a huge part of this club when I started coming to games and remained so for years.

That word legend is bandied about a lot for undeserving people; but when it comes to Eric Winstanley you could say that the word is nowhere near sufficient.

My thoughts are with you Andy, and all your family.

Truly, absolutely gutted.

Sleep well Mr Winstanley, tha’v earnt it

 

Devastated to hear this news... I'd like to tell those who didn't know him, the kind of man he was.
8 or 9 years ago my lad tore his Anterior cruciate ligaments playing football and was hobbling around on crutches when we
went into the Crown at Barnburgh one sunday lunch. Eric, sat at the bar with friends enquired what my son had done...on hearing it was the ACl
he really took an interest and told my lad all about his own ACl operation back in the 60's...and not to worry he'd be OK. The upshot of it
was that Eric, the old pro, took time out of his sunday lunchtime drink to encourage the young amateur..even rolling his trouser leg up to compare
scars.
I always admired him as a footballer but didn't know him...after that Sunday I admired him as a man.
RIP Eric.

 

Heard good stuff about him mate sounds like he's a club legend. Love goes out to you all! R.i.p

 

So sad and condolences to Terry Nutkins and his family. He knew my dad and talked him into getting season tickets in 1974. The speech he gave to the TV crew from the dugout on our promotion in 1997 is probably the most passionate,inspirational and romantic thing anybody has ever said not just in the history of our club but in the whole of football, rip big man and thank you.

 

Sorry to hear this. Sincere condolences to you and your family.

Absolute legend, RIP Eric.

 

Andrew please accept my sincere condolences on the death of your father.... my heart goes out to you and the rest of your family on your sorrow....May you gain comfort in the knowledge that the big man himself had a special place in all our hearts and gave those that saw him not only play but coach and manage too so many wonderful memories that we can take to our own graves..when our time comes
Your dad was a true legend in every sense of the word...you and the family do right to be so proud of his achievements both in football but away from it too
The Club the fans and the town will be for ever in his debt
Thank you for sharing him with us
It's times like this when at 64 years of age..when one of your boyhood hero's passes to spirit you get a sense you've just moved up another notch to the end of the ladder of life

I was born on the ponte end.........

Eric.... Thank you from the bottom of my heart for some great memories....

R.I.P......big man .....

 

I’m so sorry for your loss.

 

Sorry for you and your family' loss

 

He'll not be forgotten, remaining in the hearts and minds of so many people.

 

Just re-read every message on this and other postings, re-read the article on the club website and watched the video clip of Winnie on the club Twitter.

Sat here blubbing like a ba$tard.

 

Sincere condolences to all who knew and loved him..
RIP Winney..

 

RIP big man.

He was a big part in some of my happiest BFC memories.

Hope the messages on here and everywhere help you get through this Terry lad.

 

sorry for your loss, RIP Legend x

 

Only just woke up to this news. So sorry to hear this mate, he was a giant of a man. I spent a lot of time down at Oakwell during Wilson's time in charge when I was in my teens and always found him to be really friendly and happy to have a chat. He was always great with fans and outside of football he was just the same, being from Monk Bretton he was part of the fixture and fittings. He was the epitome of the town, big heart, big personality and didn't mince his words.
Club and town legend RIP big man