Barnsley Football Club has been saddened to learn of the death of former Oakwell stalwart Frank Bartlett.
A hugely popular figure of the Oakwell faithful during his time with the Reds, Frank boasted a tremendous engine as a right-half and later as an inside-right and wasn’t shot-shy, either – hitting 80 goals in 325 appearances.
One of seven brothers, Frank was born in Chester-le-Street, playing junior football with Kimblesworth in Durham before heading to Blackhall Colliery. It was here where Frank was spotted by a Barnsley scout and would sign professional forms at Oakwell in 1950.
His first-team début was delayed due to national service, but it was well worth the wait as it was a goal-scoring début for Frank – a strike against Leeds United in a 2-2 draw on 7th March, 1953.
Hat-tricks against Gateshead and Workington were memorable moments for Frank, as well as notching the winner against top-flight Cardiff away in the Fourth Round of the FA Cup.
After moving to inside-forward, he bagged an incredible 32 goals in 58 league games in his new position whilst also playing a vital role in the Reds’ famous run to the Sixth Round of the FA Cup in 1961.
At the end of the 1962/63 season – his tenth with the Reds – he joined Halifax Town for one campaign, before spells with Goole Town and then Kexborough Rovers.
Frank passed away on Friday at the age of 83. Barnsley Football Club would like to pass on its sincerest condolences to Frank’s family at this difficult time.
