Barnsley record appearance holder Barry 'Spud' Murphy dies at 86
Barnsley have announced the death at 86 of Barry 'Spud' Murphy, the club's all-time record appearance holder, who played 569 games and later coached at Oakwell and Leeds United.
Barnsley have announced the death of Barry Murphy at the age of 86. The defender, known as "Spud", holds the club's all-time record for appearances, having played 569 games for the Tykes between 1962 and 1978 after joining from South Shields.
Murphy became the first substitute in Barnsley's history in 1965 and set a club record of 182 consecutive appearances. He was named the club's player of the year in 1972. In 1975 he took on a player-coach role, remaining part of the coaching staff under manager Allan Clarke after his playing retirement.
He followed Clarke to Leeds United in 1980 and stayed at Elland Road until 1984. After leaving coaching, Murphy returned to Oakwell for guest appearances and often hosted charity events for Barnsley.
In a statement on its X feed, Barnsley said the club was heartbroken and described Murphy as an iconic full-back and a true Barnsley legend, citing his record 569 games for the Reds.
The tributes centre on a career defined by longevity and continued service to the South Yorkshire club, both on the pitch and through his later involvement in its charitable events.
Image: Shutterstock / BBC Sport
