Barnsley v Accrington Stanley

PATRICK CRYNE TRIBUTE
patrick cryne
tribute
james cryne
I was very fortunate to have known my Dad for 24
years. There are many people who do not get that
privilege with their parents. Still I wish it had been
longer.
I wonder, if he had still been around, what
memories we would have created in the last five
years. So many high points have occurred since his
passing. He did not get to see the first automatic
promotion since my family’s involvement. He didn’t
get to see us make the Championship play-offs.
And he missed Barnsley becoming one of Europe’s
best pressing teams for three years. I’m sure all of
those things would have brought him great pride in
Barnsley.
Many new people have been a part of the Club
that my Dad was never able to meet. I’m sure he
would have been inspired by Stendel’s passion and
amazed by Ismaël’s almost analytically perfect
playing style. Conversely, I’m sure many of the
people who have been involved in Barnsley in recent
times would’ve benefited from his mentorship.
I wonder which players would have become
his favourites? My guess, given his love for Neil
Redfearn, Craig Hignett and Conor Hourihane, is
that Adam Phillips might have been his current
preference. I imagine his immense pride that
players such as Ethan Pinnock, who he saw sign
but only briefly saw play, are representing Barnsley
alumni at the highest levels.
There are also things I’m unable to imagine. There
have been many lows during the last five years.
The 18-game winless streak during 19/20, luckily
followed by a great escape. Then of course last
season during which being able to speak with
him would’ve been a great comfort. Would these
events even have happened had he been around?
Perhaps his bravery and strong decision-making
could have somehow prevented the low points
from being so low. Perhaps his input would’ve
prevented decisions that led us there from
happening entirely.
The most important thing for my Dad as a custodian
of the Club was firstly its survival and secondly
that the town has a Club to be proud of. Results
can be up and down, however the way Barnsley
operates must be a way in which the hardworking
and honest people from the town can have pride in.
I think it’s fair to say that at certain points since my
Dad’s passing that hasn’t been the case. It will take
time but now the Club is back on track to being a
reflection of the values of the town.
My Mum, my partner Farah and I will be making
our usual trip over the Pennines to support the
team today. And as usual we’ll head home either
elated or deflated dependent on the result. The only
difference is we won’t have Ocean Drive stuck on
repeat thanks to my Dad’s poor DJ-ing skills.
James Cryne
OAKWELL REVIEW 12 BARNSLEY VS ACCRINGTON STANLEY