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

Lovely, thanks for sharing.

 

I was just looking for that. Cheers, Paulie.

 

Sorry for your loss. RIP Eric. Legend.
I was lucky enough to see Eric play all of his career. From a "boy" through to his playing retirement. He was probably the best Centre half this club ever had, that I have seen play. Great leader. Great man. But for his injury, he would have performed at the highest level. He could also operate up front when needed. And then on to a wonderful coaching and managing career.
So many memories.
My sincere condolences

 

Just like to echo the words of everyone on here when I say how sorry I am to hear of your dads passing . Met him a few times and always came across as a very decent human being as well as a bloomin good footballer. RIP Eric and thank you

 

Another Barnsley great.....and a massive loss to our club and our proud history.
Thank you for everything you did Eric....too young to remember him as a player but fantastic behind the scenes in our seasons around danny Wilson's team.
Rip.

 

All the above.

 

Terrible news. "Big Winnie" was one of my all-time Reds heroes. I was 12 and never missed a home game, when he first appeared for us as a 17 year old. He was a truly outstanding centre half over many years. He looked far too good to be playing for us. I remember a newspaper report after he scored the only goal in a Cup win over Darlington: "Eric Winstanley, the man they call Mr Barnsley....", it began. Two of his performances in away games which I attended as a student in London particularly stick in my mind. One was in a 0-0 draw at Fulham, against a side including the legendary Johnny Haynes and ex-Spurs double-winning winner, Cliff Jones. Our goal was under siege virtually all match, with cross coming into our box. Almost every one was met by Winnie's head. It was an astonishing show from him. The other game from the same season which sticks in my mind is a 2-1 win at Watford, when Winnie played up front and scored both our goals. What a player he was! I never met him to speak to, but I know that he was loved and admired by all.

 

So sorry Andy.
I’ve just spent a hour reading all these posts. Some precious memories, most before my time. I hope the love & respect shown, will bring some comfort to you & the family.
Met your Dad once. Outside Oakwell, with Danny, Brum at home 97. I got there ridiculously early, off a train from London. They were talking tactics, but had time to say hello. Then Warnock arrived, suited & booted, & some very friendly banter ensued, a bit of colourful language, but sweet.
‘Legend’ is too small a word for that bloke achieved & I hope our current, magnificent defenders do a good job tomorrow in memory of Eric.
I’m sure the Swans will accommodate a fitting tribute, before we tw@t them on the way to Wembley.
Lots of love, mate. Am thinking of your brother, who caught the stroke much worse than I did. If I can be of any help, please let me know.

 

Was talking to my Dad at the match on Monday about when he first started going in 65 and Eric was the first captain he saw for Barnsley. Fast forward 32 years and he was masterminding our promotion with Wilson. Lets hope we can do him justice on Saturday.
RIP Eric.

 

Thoughts Winnie to you and yours. That's all that needs saying from me. The rest has been brilliantly expressed by the previous posters.

R I P big fella.

 

The only time I met Eric in person was on the hallowed turf the week after the promotion to the Premier League in 1997. I had already sorted my STs out (I was 2nd in the queue) and I was walking around Oakwell and saw the players coming out for a team photo on the pitch. I met all the players, got their autographs on the only bit of paper I had - my Season Ticket letter. I thanked all the players, Danny and then Big Eric came onto the pitch. I said "thanks mate" and he just gave me that Big moustache grin and replied "It's good innit".

RIP Big Fella - Look after Rimmo for us pal

 

Your dad was one of my earliest heroes and remained so to the end.

Barnsley to the core. So sorry to hear your sad news.

Best wishes to you and your family.

 

Thanks for that mate. Some of those stories I’ve never heard before.

My Dad always told me he was a better Centre Forward than a Centre Half and that Johnny Steel apologised to him later in life for not playing him up front instead.

Jonny was worried though that we’d concede too many goals with him not there though and he just didn’t have the cover to be able to move him.

 

RIP Eric

 

I do recall one game that would back up what the great man said. We were at home to Reading towards the end of the 1970/71 campaign. There was a particularly low crowd that day , possibly less than 3000. As we were struggling for strikers, due to injuries, Mr Steele played Winnie & David Booth up front. Brian Raggett came in at centre half and Phil Martin-Chambers (as he was known at the time) made his debut at left back. We won 3-0 with Booth scoring 2 and Big Eric 1. Watching that day, I thought Eric was an excellent striker, holding the ball up well, unbeatable in the air (which we already knew), but showing top class skill with the ball.
I have no doubt he had all the attributes to become a superb striker.

 

These stories are lovely. Especially for us born too late. Thanks Kev & every other old un who got to see Eric play.

Tune in 30 years from now, to hear me tell the youngsters about Adam Hammill. ​

 

Great story mate. I sadly didn't see the big man play, but stories like these make me feel like I did. Thank you

 

i'm so sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with you and the whole family. i shall raise a glass to him in the west green tomorrow night while i'm watching the game

 

Just seen the post on the club Twitter page of the squad paying their respects (presumably before setting off to Swansea).
Very moving tribute.

 

https://twitter.com/BarnsleyFC?ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^serp|twgr^author