John Dennis: The Oakwell Years

What is life like as a football club chairman? Find out in this revealing, thrilling and insightful account into Barnsley Football Club from former Reds Chairman, John Dennis. Read how Johns father, Ernest, used his own money to help save the club from going bust, how Johns first task as chairman was to replace Manager Allan Clarke with Mel Machin, laying the foundation for the future success of the club under Danny Wilson, who took the Reds to the Premiership for the one and only time in the clubs history. During Johns tenure, the club also made its first appearance at the Twin Towers of Wembley and Oakwell was transformed from a below-par ground into the impressive all-seater stadium complete with the academy facilities that it is today. Behind the scenes of any football club are the wheelings and dealings of transfers, contract talks with players and disputes with agents and members of the press – and Johns down-to-earth approach was both dignified and humorous. John Dennis inside view is a must-read for any Barnsley fan – and an enjoyable insight for any true football fan.