Stephen and I first met when we were both 13, although we probably knew of each other from the aqe of 11 when we both enrolled at what was then Wath Grammar School. Steve was, like many of us, the son of a miner and grew up in Darfield and attended Shrogs Head Primary School before moving on to Wath. As fellow Barnsley Supporters we withstood the ridicule of the blades, owls and millers (yes millers fans), supporting the reds through thick but mainly thin during the mid 60s until our first renaissance in the late 60s. We would stand in the right hand corner of the old ponty end near to the urinals. Some of you mat be old enough to remember that part of the ground. As we grew up, unless there was a match on we would spend our Friday nights "down Wath". The New Inn was a favourite. At 18 we went our separate ways, Steve studied in Manchester and I went to Bristol. Although we met from time to time for a drink we lost touch quite quickly. In the meantime he met and married Mrs S, a devoted loving companion, and they produced one son Tim, whom I know they were both very proud. Then about 5 years ago, he got in touch with me via Friends reunited. When we met he said that he had seen me in the East Stand but did not have the courage to approach me it case he was wrong. Had I seen him Iwould have recognised him instantly. It was great to meet him again and depite a 30 year gap we picked up where we left off. When I could visit Oakwell we would meet up for the game. He got to know Mrs Didoct Red and the 3 junior Didoct Reds. We would talk about he old days and chunter about the currnet side. The last game we watch together was memorable as we threw away a 3 goal lead against Stockport the season before last. Enough of my memories of Steve. Over the last 5 years, I can do nothing but admire his endless courage, good humour and resiliance in the face of a formidable and relentless enemy. Many of you will have read what he went through during his 10 year war against cancer. He won many a battle but yesterday he finally was forced to yield and lose the war. I have lost a very good friend. As i said in an earlier post I visted him 3 weeks ago and promised him that i would write a few words when his time came. I hoped, though perhaps unrealistically, that I would not have to undertake this task for some time. The thoughts of all my family are with his wife and son today. Thanks for the memories mate. Keith Goldsby-West
Condolences to his family I too went to Wath Grammar (4 years younger) and used to stand in the corner of the Ponty/West stand with my dad - also a miner.
if he's looking down nar, tha's just done him proud ol kid. suspect he's left a lasting mark on most that come on here, and will be in our thoughts for some time. RIP Steve S.
Thanks so much for this lovely message Keith (Didcotred). Mum and I are overwhelmed by the response from people on here. We have not had chance to read through all the posts on here yet but we are touched that some of you want to get together and create somekind of memorial for him. He would have loved that. Being as neither Mum or I are paticularly footbally people we not really sure what options are available. We'll have a chat together and a word with Keith and let you guys know what we think. Once again, Thank you so much. Tim
