Ahead of our clash with Exeter City, former Reds scout Colin Sands was given a birthday surprise he'll never forget.
A talent spotter for many years, Colin Sands - a lifelong Reds fan - was scouting for his beloved Barnsley FC in the 1970's, helping to unearth hidden gems for then-manager, Jim Iley.
One of those 'diamonds' in the rough was Anton Otulakowski.
Colin found the Dewsbury-born midfielder, then just a teenager, and he was soon to make his debut for the Reds.
Such was the impact made by Anton in his one season as a Reds player, he was snapped up by West Ham United for what was reported at the time as a club record fee received.
On Saturday, after months of painstaking work, which included locating the former midfielder, the wish of Colin's family came to reality.
His son David had first contacted us back in July of this year, hoping to work together to make his father's 90th birthday a special one. With the help of our receptionist Beth Sefton and our historian, Dave Wood, we tracked down Anton Otulakowski who said he would be honoured to return to Oakwell and play a part in Colin Sands' special day.
Yesterday, Colin was given the treatment his loyalty and good nature deserved, where he once again met the legend that is Barry Murphy, enjoyed a visit to old haunts such as the 'tea room' as he called it, underneath the West Stand, before being ushered to his seat in the stand he's called 'home' since he was a little boy.
It was there that - ubeknownest to him - Anton would greet him, much to his great surprise!
We hope that Colin, his family and Anton enjoyed their trip to Oakwell yesterday afternoon, and thank the Sands family for letting us give a little something back to a man who gave so much to the club he loves.
Happy Birthday on Wednesday, Colin!
🔎 Colin Sands spotted Anton Otulakowski for the Reds many years ago...
— Barnsley FC (@BarnsleyFC) October 9, 2022
Yesterday, as a 90th birthday surprise, we reunited the pair at Oakwell.
Read all about it! ⤵️
