BARNSLEY FOOTBALL CLUB

Barnsley Football Club has been saddened to learn of the death of former player Oliver Hopkins at the age of 78.

Known affectionately as 'Ollie', he joined the Reds from Burtonwood Youth in May 1954 and would spend seven years at Oakwell.

Born in South Kirkby, he made 52 appearances for the Reds as a centre-half and also striker - putting his tall, strong frame to good use at both ends of the field.

The 1960-61 seasons saw Hopkins notch eight goals in 16 matches, which included a hat-trick in the 3-2 victory over Newport County.

After leaving Oakwell for Peterborough United, he would make over a century of appearances for Posh in central-defence.

Later he teamed up with former Barnsley team-mates Ron Smillie and Peter Gillott at Chelmsford City where he played out his career before taking up roles as Coach and then President.

The funeral will take place on 2nd of May 2014 at All Saints Church from 9:45am in Springfield, Chelmsford, Essex.

Barnsley Football Club would like to offer its thoughts and prayers to Ollie's family at this sad time.