Barnsley Football Club are saddened to learn of the passing of former goalkeeper Harry Hough.
Born in Chapeltown, Harry is widely regarded as the greatest Barnsley goalkeeper in history.
He joined the Reds in 1947 but played understudy to Irish international Pat Kelly, up until 1951.
From there on in, Hough was ever-present for the next eight years. Mr Consistent, he had steady hands, great positional sense, came well for crosses and as well as taking a mean kick he was somewhat of an expert penalty saver. Indeed, in January of 1959 his double penalty save against Rotherham United at Oakwell was talked about for years and years.
During the 1951/52 campaign his fine performances for Barnsley were noticed by the England select committee and he was called up to represent the England ‘B’ team in a friendly against Holland. However, in an epic 5-4 win over Sheffield Wednesday, Hough was injured in a reckless challenge by Owls striker Derek Dooley, breaking an arm ruling him out of the England side.
From 1953 to 1956 he began a run of 166 consecutive matches, a club record at the time.
Hough made 364 appearances for the club before falling out of favour under Tim Ward, eventually leaving for Bradford Park Avenue at the end of the 1957/58 season.
After retirement he opened a sports shop in Barnsley before later moving to the East Coast and finally returning to Yorkshire and Greetland.
Harry sadly passed on Thursday at the grand age of 94 and everyone at Oakwell would like to pass on their condolences at this time.
RIP, Harry Hough.
