What is love? Barnsley — Terrace Edition

No, I don't know, why you're not fair
I give you my love, but you don't care
So what is right and what is wrong?
Gimme a sign.

Words: Ian Parker

Images: Ian Parker

In the first article of our new feature, we channel Haddaway and have a think about about our amour for our football clubs, over pints, photos on memory sticks and splintered reminiscences.

Let’s kick-off with Terrace Edition lead photographer Ian Parker aka The Saturday Boy, a Toby Tyke who’s still in a love-hate relationship with Georgi Hristov

First love.

We all have them. Mine was Barnsley Football Club.

I was six years old in 1986 and football had me gripped.

Paul Futcher, Clive Baker and John Beresford put love hearts in my eyes like a secondary school crush.

I followed Barnsley religiously right up until my passion for the professional game faded almost completely in 2016.

Photography and documenting football had now taken over.

I started to photo-study a matchday at Oakwell in 2012 and this lasted for four years, putting the spotlight on the often ignored details of what football supporters witness week in, week out.

A Wembley triumph has been captured alongside floodlight pylons illuminating the terraced homes on Grove Street below, matchday emotions and the chaos of the Jumble Lane crossing after every home game.

All the moments and memories that will hopefully mean something to more than just me.

Even though my love for Barnsley isn’t as strong as it was, it’s still there and I dream of the club achieving great things.

A successful club can influence the mood of the town.

I want the team to succeed for my friends and family that still wear the red and white.