GOAL ACE BARNEY IS A LEGEND AT ROBINS

ASHTON United have led the tributes to Barney Daniels, the second highest goalscorer in the club’s history, who has died at the age of 74.

- By Tony Bugby

Daniels, a legend at Hurst Cross, found the net 181 times in 323 appearances during three stints with the Robins between playing for Football League clubs Manchester City, Chester City and Stockport County.

Ashton club historian Jeremy Sayle believes Daniels may have an even higher total of goals due to incomplete records.

Ronnie Thomasson, who is now in his early 90s, spent a lifetime serving Ashton in every capacity from groundsman to chairman.

When asked the best player he had seen playing for the club, without a moment's hesitation, he replied: “Bernard Joseph Daniels.”

“Barney was one of my heroes and everyone at Ashton United loved him,” explained Michael Bennett, who has been watching the Robins since 1963.

“He could score every type of goal —left foot, right foot, headers, free-kicks from 30 yards.

“Barney had long hair and would wear a white head band. I remember him jumping salmon-like to head home a corner from John Colquhoun, the former Scotland international, in an FA Cup tie against Hyde United.”

Tony Steenson, who played alongside Daniels at Hyde United later in his career, described him as an “extraordinary footballer”.