Everyone at Edgeley Park is saddened to hear of the passing of our former player Barry Howard (SCAN 827), who died on August 23rd at the age of 72 after suffering for some time with Alzheimer’s.
Born in Ashton under Lyne, Barry played as a junior for Oldham Athletic, before joining Hyde. A fast and tricky left winger with the great asset of being a goal scorer, he was soon to move to Runcorn, who at the time were one of the strongest non-league teams in the country. With the Linnets, he was to win a number of medals in the Cheshire Senior Cup and as winners of the Northern Premier League.
During his time at Canal Street, he was to score 120 goals in five years, and he was awarded a testimonial against Blackpool. It was perhaps a surprise that, despite his success, he remained playing at this level, and following rumours two years previously of Manchester City watching him, it was County who finally made the move to bring him into League football at the age of 28.
Barry officially signed in February 1978, to try and provide impetus to a County side whose earlier season promotion optimism was beginning to disappear, with County being hit by injuries to key players. A strong first half of the season was starting to literally hit black ice, as the late winter weather resulted in a number of postponed fixtures giving County eight games to play in the month of March.
Sadly, after a promising start, the tricky two footed winger was unable to help a County team, who were to see a managerial change as Mike Summerbee became player-manager, finish in a disappointing 18th place. During his time at Edgeley Park he maintained his profession as a painter and decorator, perhaps conscious of his late entry into League football.
In total he made 13 appearances for County, with his only goal coming against Rochdale, during a run of three consecutive defeats over Easter that effectively ended County’s hopes of promotion.
After his short spell at Edgeley Park, Barry moved to Moss Lane for a record £3,000 fee where he became one of Altrincham FC’s best and most popular players, making 288 appearances, scoring 73 goals, in a six year spell with the Robins.
He later played returned to Hyde, Witton, his home club Ashton United (player-coach), and finally Droylsden. He won seven caps playing for the England non-League team.
Whilst he was to have his greatest successes elsewhere, Barry is remembered with affection at Edgeley Park as a fine winger and we are proud that he played in the Football League with the Hatters.
We send our condolences to his family and friends at this very sad time.
