Best season watching Barnsley in...

Another vote for 2016 from me. Obviously the first half of the season was awful but the second half was incredible.

During and towards the end of the run, I felt like we untouchable and I was hugely confident going into every game. Even the playoff semi and final, I went into all games 100% sure we’d get the result we wanted.

The Stendel season is up there too. Too young for the promotion to the premier league.

 

80 81, a magical season with King Ronnie running the show. The atmosphere throughout the season was unbelievable. What I'd give to go back in time and watch again!

 

That's not fair....

 

2016 for me.

Honourable mentions to 05/06, and 20/21 on ifollow.

 

Don’t be sorry - you were in a privileged position to see it first hand and your perspective will de different to those of us who only saw it on tv.

It’s good to hear your view on it.

 

2024/2025 season. Amazing squad. Every player talented, committed and intelligent. All of them run their blood to water. Defence impregnable, midfield dynamic, attack lethal. Joy to watch.

 

Which club is that?

 

I think the current mood of the fanbase would be even more morose had it seen that year in the flesh. It might not have been easy on the eye watching on iFollow. But in-person it epitomised all that Barnsley should stand for. Graft.

We didn't win one of the opening seven games. Then won 23 after Val arrived.

From February 14th to March 17th our league results:

Brentford 0-2 Reds
Reds 2-1 Blackburn Rovers
Bristol City 0-1 Reds
Reds 2-0 Stoke City
Reds 2-1 Millwall
QPR 1-3 Reds
Reds 1-0 Birmingham City
Reds 0-0 Derby County
Bournemouth 2-3 Reds
Wycombe Wanderers 1-3 Reds

I doubt I'll ever see anything like it again, even at this level, or God forbid, in the fourth division. Favourites for relegation going in remember.

Sickening that over the next few years the club has been lowered to the point we are now. Because you can ignore four years of hindsight. At the time, the likes of Morris, Helik, Dike, Brittain, whoever - they were nobodies by and large. As was Val. It was absolutely spot on recruitment led by a CEO who was extraordinary at the job, with a coaching staff that drove the highest standards, to perform for 7,000 people who bought season tickets for 23 games they were never likely to - and never did - see.

It can be done. You just need the right people in position.

 

I remember doing some landscaping work in a garden backing onto the railway; I could hear thi screaming from there every time Dike et al banged one in.

 

96/97.

In fact quick edit: 97/98 - the best players in Europe playing at Oakwell week in, week out. Stadium packed every week, brilliant atmosphere regardless of the opposition and score. The standard of football was out of this world.

Victories at Anfield, Villa Park. Home wins over Man United, Spurs and nearly against Liverpool - with 9 men. Absolutely played Spurs off the park in that cup game.

Wow, what a team.​

 

The seasons under Norman Hunter.
80/81 and 81/82. Couldn't put a cig paper between em.
96/97 is still a good shout though.

 

I'm with you on this. My 2 favourite seasons.

 

I still have memories of him destroying one of the club’s GoPro cameras with one particularly vicious strike. His legs were like tree trunks. Bless him.

He’s just returned to full fitness at WBA. I hope he can finally have some luck on that front because he’s one hell of a footballer and a truly great kid.

 

96-97 as we did something we’ll probably never do again. It didn’t seem real, still doesn’t.

But the 2nd half of 2016 runs it very close.

 

I'm part of the 'Glavin generation' so early 80's will always hold fond memories but I'd have to say I agree with you! 2018-19 was a wonderful season. Watching home and away was an absolute pleasure. Special mention of the 2nd half of the 2016-17 season as well. Truly amazing as our success heaped the pressure on us. Could we make it into the Play Offs? You bet we could and then we obliterated the opposition. What a side that was - and should have been for a long time to come.

 

Tough one 78-79 first season
81-82 Cup run
96-97 Obviously
99-2000 - Fantastic Entertainment
15-16 Not sure where it came from
2019 - Wonderful football

 

Too young to really appreciate the 97/98. For me I enjoyed bassets season which got us to the play off final. I'd say that was the best for me.

Stendels season was also very enjoyable and we took some great followings 2k to pompey at the minute we would take about 200. Also went unbeaten at home all season

Heckys half a season having taken over when we were on a good run of 7 on spin and in the jpt final was also great.

 

Got to go with the year I got two winning trips to Wembley.
Great memories.

 

I was thinking of seasons I really enjoyed and one that sprung to mind was Machin's first full season in 90-91 when we missed out on the playoffs in the last minute.

We played some really good football that season and there were some really big clubs in the division too. Not as obvious as seasons where we achieved something, but given the season before it, it stood out for me.

 

Further to my earlier posts, I'd also say that 81/82 takes it for me because of the crowds we got for games like Man City, Liverpool and many league games; standing on the Ponty, Brewery stand or West stand with 20,000 or 30,000 crowds was something to have experienced. Something I'll never forget.