BARNSLEY has reported that former owner Patrick Cryne has died at the age of 66. The Championship team announced in a statement that Cryne, who had been fighting cancer since November 2016, died over the weekend.
He sold 80 percent of his Barnsley investment to a Chinese-American group led by baseball legend Billy Beane last month. The club’s statement read: “Club Custodian for 14 years and generally considered amongst the dedicated fan base as the’saviour’ of the Club since gaining control in 2003, Mr Cryne has been held in the highest of regard both at Barnsley Football Club and around the footballing world. “Born and raised in Barnsley, Mr Cryne’s first football memories date back over 60 years, when a first appearance at Oakwell with his Uncle Ernest captured his interest, sparking a lifetime of loyalty to Barnsley Football Club in whatever manner possible. Patrick’s passion and love earned him the title ‘one of our own.'”Mr Patrick Cryne will be sorely and terribly missed by everyone linked with the Club, and we are all expressing our warmest condolences to his wife Jean, son James, and the rest of his close family.
“The Club fully acknowledges that this news will be deeply upsetting to many people but we ask for privacy at this painful time.” The Cryne family kept a 20% share in the club as part of the recent acquisition, and his son James is a director on the new board.
During Cryne’s tenure as manager, Barnsley earned two League One promotions and the EFL Trophy.
Last September, Cryne wrote an anguished letter to followers, admitting he was “living on borrowed time”.
“I live in pain, but living is better than the alternative,” according to his note. “Cancer is cunning, vicious, and voracious, and I beg everyone to have frequent checkups to prevent it from spreading.
“The recent months have thrown into sharp focus the things that are most important to me. I’ve spent a lot of my life pursuing the ultimately worthless when there were more important things to pursue. My family has always been important to me, but I should have spent more time telling them that.
“I do that now, and it brings delight into our relationships. Of course, my football club has been vital, and I am grateful that my family shares my passion for Barnsley FC.
“For much of the time since I became the club’s last resort buyer, I let others manage the club, afraid that I didn’t know enough to earn the respect and support of the ‘football people’. It is ironic, therefore.
that we had one of our most successful eras when I took over the mantle, culminating in two triumphant excursions to Wembley.”Maybe one day, before too long, I’ll reveal the secrets of how we did it. Certainly, the entire club acting as one was beneficial. I’m not sure if we’ll ever have the same sense of unity as we did that season, which included the fans’ tolerance and amazing support.
“There were a lot of things I wanted to accomplish before the Grim Reaper took away our fantastic crew. Of course, I wanted to see us return to the Premier League and make improvements to the legendary West Stand. Personally, I wanted
I tried to recover all of the 1912 FA Cup final medals, but I only found five.Most people understand that I was a reluctant custodian, but what has made it bearable in the face of the occasional cruelty of the internet world is the kindness shown to me on a personal level by so many fans. “People are not shy in coming forward and telling me they appreciate my efforts, even if I have fallen short of their expectations. I receive several messages and cards from admirers who share their recollections and best wishes. I’m grateful to them all.
“I believe we will become stronger as the season progresses and our team gels, similar to the double Wembley season. I do
I do not expect to survive to witness the final outcome, but I travel with hope.
“I wish you all a good football season and thank you for your kindness down the years.”
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