Introduction to Barnsley Legendary Players

The Legacy of Barnsley

Barnsley Football Club was founded in 1887 and joined the Football League in 1898. The club’s most notable early achievement came in 1912 when they lifted the FA Cup, beating West Bromwich Albion in a replay at Bramall Lane. In the modern era, Barnsley reached the Premier League for the first time in the 1997–98 season under Danny Wilson, marking a historic high point for the club.

They have also enjoyed several successful campaigns in the Championship and League One, including play-off victories and cup runs. Throughout their history, Barnsley have been known for developing young talent and competing strongly despite often limited resources. Their home ground, Oakwell, has been in use since 1888 and remains one of the longest-serving stadiums in English football.

Criteria for Ranking the Best Players

The players included in this list have been selected based on their impact, longevity, skill, and contribution to Barnsley’s most defining moments. While individual brilliance plays a role, so too does leadership, consistency, and influence during crucial periods in the club’s history. Both homegrown legends and inspired signings are recognised, across eras that span the old Second Division to the Premier League and beyond.

Top 10 Greatest Players in Barnsley History

10. Trevor Aylott (1979–1982, 1986)

Trevor Aylott, a striker, joined Barnsley in 1979 from Chelsea and made 122 league appearances, scoring 34 goals by 1982. In 1986, he returned briefly on loan, adding 9 games and 3 goals. Known for his strong heading ability and physical presence, Aylott played a key part in Barnsley’s attacking line during a productive spell in the Second Division. His performances earned him fans’ acclaim before he moved on to Millwall and later Luton Town.

Though his tenure didn’t include promotions, his work rate and goal threat were consistent highlights. The loan return showed his affinity for the club and fans. Aylott also had significant spells at Crystal Palace and Bournemouth before retiring. His combined spells at Oakwell — especially the initial three-year run — mark him as a memorable forward in Barnsley’s early 1980s era, contributing reliably in front of goal and setting standards in attack.

9. Jim Dobbin (1986–1991)

Jim Dobbin, a Scottish midfielder, signed for Barnsley in 1986 from Doncaster Rovers and stayed through to 1991. Over five seasons at Oakwell, he made 129 league appearances and scored 12 goals. Known for his passing accuracy and calm control, Dobbin was a key figure as Barnsley consolidated in the Second Division. He helped the club maintain its status and competitive edge in a challenging era. Dobbin’s consistency was notable, rarely missing games and often starting in central midfield.

After leaving in 1991, he moved to Grimsby Town for five years, continuing as a dependable midfield presence. Though not a prolific goal-scorer, his tactical intelligence and experience provided balance to the squad. As one of Barnsley’s reliable performers of the late 1980s, Dobbin’s precise distribution and leadership on the pitch earned him respect among teammates and supporters alike.

8. John Hendrie (1996–1999)

John Hendrie joined Barnsley in the summer of 1996, arriving from Middlesbrough ahead of their historic first Premier League season. Over three seasons, he made 65 league appearances and scored 17 goals. As a right-winger or supporting striker, Hendrie played a pivotal role during the 1996–97 campaign, when Barnsley earned promotion as runners-up in the First Division.

After the club’s relegation from the Premier League in 1998, he was appointed player-manager but was unable to prevent a mid-table finish and was dismissed in April 1999. Hendrie’s contributions—both on the flanks and from the dugout—highlight his dual significance during Barnsley’s top-flight era. Off the pitch, his leadership as a coach also shaped the squad during a transitional time. Though his managerial stint was brief, his on-field impact and promotion-winning performances ensure he remains a respected figure in Oakwell’s recent history.

7. Craig Hignett (1998–2000)

Craig Hignett signed for Barnsley in late 1998 following spells at Aberdeen and Middlesbrough. During his two seasons at Oakwell, he made 66 league appearances and scored 28 goals. In the 1999–2000 season, Hignett was integral to Barnsley’s attack, finishing as both top scorer with 19 goals in all competitions and earning the Player of the Year award.

His goals helped fire the Tykes to a play-off final at Wembley, although they were beaten by Ipswich Town in extra time and he missed a late chance. Known for his technical skill and knack for scoring crucial goals, Hignett’s influence was immediate. After leaving in 2000, he joined Blackburn Rovers and later won the League Cup. His Barnsley form remains one of the most prolific scoring periods in recent club history.

6. Derrick Parker (1980–1983)

Derrick Parker, a forward, signed for Barnsley from Southend United in February 1980 and stayed until August 1983. During his three seasons at Oakwell, he made 107 league appearances and scored 32 goals. Known for his powerful shooting and aerial strength, Parker became a reliable attacking option in the Second Division. He was a consistent performer, rarely missing matches and regularly contributing to the team’s goal tally.

Although Barnsley didn’t achieve promotion during his tenure, Parker’s knack for finding the back of the net made him a popular and dependable figure. After leaving Barnsley in 1983, he continued his career at Oldham Athletic and later moved into lower-league football. In addition to his playing career, he later became a commentator for Barnsley matches on local radio, showing his lasting connection to the club. Parker’s impact lies in his consistent goal scoring and commitment across more than 100 league appearances in a crucial early‑1980s period.

5. Adam Hammill (2009–2011; 2015–2018)

Adam Hammill first joined Barnsley on loan in February 2009, making 14 league appearances and scoring once, before signing permanently in August 2009. Over the next two seasons, he made 103 league appearances and scored 13 goals, delivering key contributions with his pace, crossing, and direct play from the wing.

After leaving in 2011 for the Premier League, Hammill returned to Barnsley in late 2015 on a short-term deal, eventually signing through 2018. In his second spell, he made 100 league appearances and scored 7 goals, playing a vital role in the squad’s promotion through the 2016 League One play-offs and a Football League Trophy win at Wembley, in which he was instrumental. Hammill’s energy, technical ability, and knack for delivering in big moments make him one of the most influential players of the club’s modern resurgence era.

4. Ashley Ward (1996–1998)

Ashley Ward signed for Barnsley in July 1996 from Crewe Alexandra and stayed until September 1998. During his tenure, he made 52 league appearances, scoring 14 goals. Ward played a significant role in Barnsley’s historic push to the Premier League, netting eight goals in the promotion-winning 1996–97 season. In the top flight, he added six more league goals during the 1997–98 campaign.

Known for his movement, aerial ability, and hold-up play, Ward formed effective partnerships up front. After relegation in 1998, he moved to Blackburn Rovers and later Leicester City. While his stay at Oakwell was relatively short, his contributions during Barnsley’s most iconic era—especially their one and only top-flight season—underscore his importance. With his knack for timely goals and intelligent forward play, Ward remains a memorable figure among Barnsley’s Premier League pioneers.

3. Tommy Taylor (1996–1998)

Tommy Taylor joined Barnsley in July 1996 from Aston Villa for a club-record £1.25 million and remained until May 1998. In that period, he made 76 league appearances and scored 15 goals. Taylor was a key figure in the First Division side that achieved promotion to the Premier League in 1996–97, contributing five goals in that campaign. In the subsequent top-flight season, he added ten league goals, including crucial strikes that helped Barnsley retain belief amidst difficult fixtures.

Known for his strength, intelligent positioning, and aerial threat, Taylor provided the physical presence upfront. Despite Barnsley’s relegation in 1998, his performances earned praise for their consistency and leadership. Following his exit, he moved to Bradford City. Taylor’s role during Barnsley’s only Premier League season cements his status as one of their most important modern-era forwards.

2. Ronnie Glavin (1979–1984; 1985–1986)

Ronnie Glavin, a Scottish midfielder, first joined Barnsley in June 1979 from Celtic and remained until 1984. Known for his creativity and prolific scoring from midfield, he made 176 league appearances and netted 73 goals. Glavin’s 1980–81 season was particularly influential, helping Barnsley secure promotion from the Third Division. In 1984, he transferred to Belenenses in Portugal but returned in 1985 for a brief loan, adding six more league appearances before leaving in 1986.

He earned one cap for Scotland in 1977, showcasing his quality at the international level. A fan favourite for his flair and consistency, Glavin left a lasting legacy at Oakwell. His induction into Barnsley’s Hall of Fame recognises the impact of his performances and contributions during a key era. Glavin remains one of the club’s all-time great midfielders due to his combination of technical skill and goal scoring ability.

1. Neil Redfearn (1991–1998)

Neil Redfearn joined Barnsley in September 1991 and stayed until summer 1998, making 292 league appearances and scoring 72 goals. A central midfielder with a keen eye for goal, he captained the side and was instrumental in their 1996–97 promotion campaign, contributing 17 league goals. The following season saw him score Barnsley’s first-ever Premier League goal, finishing as the club’s top scorer in its sole top-flight campaign.

He was named Player of the Year in 1994 and later honoured in the Barnsley Hall of Fame. Redfearn departed in 1998 to join Charlton Athletic, before embarking on a coaching and managerial career. His enduring influence, leadership, and prolific scoring from midfield make him arguably Barnsley’s greatest modern-era player and a true icon in the club’s history.

Comparison of Barnsley Legends

Playing Styles and Contributions

The evolution of Barnsley’s greatest players reflects the changing demands of English football across generations. In the early 1980s, a striker like Trevor Aylott thrived on physicality and direct service, operating in a tough Second Division where aerial strength and hold-up play were crucial. Contrast that with Adam Hammill, whose game in the 2010s relied on pace, flair, and creativity, often cutting inside from the wing in more technical, possession-based systems.

Another stark contrast lies between Ronnie Glavin and Neil Redfearn. Glavin, a Third Division playmaker in the early 1980s, used touch and vision to unlock defences, while Redfearn dominated a midfield in the Championship and Premier League with driving runs, leadership, and a consistent goal threat. The range of styles—from Derrick Parker’s old-school centre-forward play to Craig Hignett’s advanced midfield craft—shows how Barnsley icons have reflected and adapted to the standards of their eras.

Impact on Club Success

Many of Barnsley’s top players made defining contributions during pivotal campaigns. Neil Redfearn and Ashley Ward were crucial during the 1996–97 promotion to the Premier League, the club’s greatest modern achievement. Redfearn’s 17 goals and captaincy were central to the rise, while Ward’s goals in both the First Division and top flight helped maintain belief. Ronnie Glavin played a similar talismanic role in the 1980–81 promotion from the Third Division, scoring regularly and providing the team’s creative spark.

In the 2015–16 season, Adam Hammill was vital to Barnsley winning the Football League Trophy and securing promotion via the League One play-offs. Even players who didn’t win silverware, like John Hendrie and Craig Hignett, were key contributors to attacking success, helping the club stay competitive in the top half of the second tier or reaching the play-off final. Each player left a tangible mark on Barnsley’s league campaigns or cup runs.

Records and Achievements

Individual Honours and Awards

Several players on the list received individual recognition during their time at Oakwell. Neil Redfearn was named Barnsley’s Player of the Year in 1994 and was later inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame. Craig Hignett earned the Player of the Year award for his prolific 1999–2000 campaign, scoring 19 goals across all competitions.

Ronnie Glavin is also a Hall of Fame inductee, commemorated for his creative brilliance and high goal tally from midfield. Adam Hammill, while not an award winner in the traditional sense, is widely regarded as one of the most influential players of Barnsley’s 2016 double triumph and remains a cult figure among supporters.

Club Milestones and Championships

Several players were central to historic club milestones. Neil Redfearn scored Barnsley’s first-ever Premier League goal and helped the club achieve promotion to the top flight for the first time. Ronnie Glavin played a key role in the 1980–81 Third Division promotion, while Adam Hammill was instrumental in both the 2016 Football League Trophy win and League One play-off success.

Ashley Ward and Tommy Taylor both featured prominently during the club’s only Premier League campaign in 1997–98. Though not all players won honours, figures like Jim Dobbin and Trevor Aylott were part of stable and competitive squads in the Second Division, laying the foundations for later success. Together, these players helped shape some of the most successful and memorable periods in Barnsley’s history.