It was before my time as a fan, but what an attitude and a vision Clarkie seemed to have then, when we appointed him (in 1978 ?). I liked the story of him taking the players down the pits, to show them what real hard work was, and how lucky they were to be decently paid footballers. And didn't he ask the club to bring in kit washers and boot cleaners, so the players didn't have to do it anymore. That sort of man management doesn't sound like much now, but surely it was revolutionary back in them days.
Clarkie introduced this when he arrived a couple of seasons previously, alongside music over the PA system - originally “You’re the one that I want” by John Travolta and Olivia Neutron Bomb. Fanfare for the common man came later and was in place when the photograph was taken - season 80-81. Before this, the players just walked on to the pitch without much ceremony. It was absolutely brilliant and a great example of the professionalism/arrogance Clarkie brought to us - not to mention an exceptional footballing side. I for one will be eternally grateful.
Good skills! I started going in 87 but I genuinely don't remember it. Maybe the wave was abandoned it after you made a **** of it?
Great times. Old lass would push a trolley round perimeter of the pitch selling Bovril and chocolate bars, majorettes and forget all about time rider… we ran out to this…
The Oakwell Clapping Song. All I can say is that the wave must have been camp in order to out-camp this.