'Barney’s football prowess can simply be described in one word – goalscorer'
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14:52, 17 Jun 2025
Barney Daniels pictured whilst playing for City in the mid-1970s
(Image: Unknown)
Moving tributes have been to a legend of Greater Manchester football who has died.
Barney Daniels, who played for Manchester United, Manchester City and Stockport County during his 'whirlwind' career which took him from non-league to the top flight, and back again, died on June 13 aged 74, his family have announced.
His daughter Rachelle said on X, formerly Twitter: "At 7.30am yesterday morning our amazing dad Barney Daniels passed away peacefully in his sleep.
"We are absolutely devastated and heartbroken. Our Dad was our hero, a true gentleman and a legend xxx"
The much-loved centre-forward, who was christened Bernard but known as Barney, was born in Salford and was a Salford Boys player as a youth.
Barney with the Manchester United squad during his two years at Old Trafford
He was spotted by Manchester United and signed as an amateur at Old Trafford, where he spent two years. He was released by the then Reds boss Wilf McGuinness without featuring for the first team.
He joined Salford Amateurs (now Salford City) before moving to Ashton United. He scored nearly 60 goals in two seasons. In a shock move, then Manchester City boss Tony Book offered him a trial before signing him in March 1973 for £1,000.
He made a total of 14 appearances between 1973 and 75, the most notable of which was against Leicester in November 1974 when he scored two goals and helped City go top of the First Division.
He moved to Chester City and became their record signing when he joined for 24,000 in 1975 before joining Stockport on a free transfer a year later.
He became a favourite with Hatters fans scoring 13 goals in his first three months at the club. He scored a total of 19 times in 54 games for the club.
County said in a statement on their website that 'Barney’s football prowess can simply be described in one word – goalscorer.'
"Barney is very fondly remembered by County fans" they said.
"For supporters starved of League success for over a decade, what occurred in the first two months of the 1976-77 season is something never to be forgotten by those who were lucky enough to witness what unfolded.
"To see County top of the League was a revelation, and Barney helped create some fantastic memories that included his hat trick at Bradford City in a 3-3 draw and leading the line as County lost narrowly to Everton on a memorable night at Edgeley Park.
"We were delighted to welcome Barney back to County as our guest in 2021, where he received a wonderful reception when introduced on the pitch. We send our condolences to all of his family and friends at this very sad time."
He had two further spells at Ashton United and one at Hyde United before hanging up his boots in 1984.
Ashton United said: "Everyone at #aufc was saddened to hear about the passing of Robins legend Bernard 'Barney' Daniels Twice Player of the Year and rarely less than prolific in front of goal Barney scored 181 times in 323 Robins appearances.
"The condolences of everyone at #aufc go to Barney's family and friends."
Fans also paid their respects online.
Bernard Armstrong said on X: "RIP Barney Daniels. What a whirlwind career ...non league to Div 1 top flight and back again."
Another said: "That’s so sad, I have fond memories of this guy when growing up."