The world of football has joined together to pay tribute to sports journalist Patrick Barclay, who’s died aged 77.
He wrote for the likes of the Guardian, Observer, Independent, Sunday Telegraph and Times. He was also Chair of the Football Writers Association, who today issued a statement from his family:
“It is with the greatest sadness that we must announce the death of our dear Patrick Barclay.
“A celebration of Patrick’s life will be held at a later date.
“Meanwhile, we hope that the family’s wish for privacy is respected.”
Raised in Scotland and a fan of his local Dundee FC, he started his career at the Guardian in the 1970s in Manchester.
Everyone at Dundee Football Club was saddened to learn of the passing of journalist and Dundee supporter Patrick Barclay. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Patrick’s family and friends at this sad time.#Dundee1893 pic.twitter.com/znjFNxuIxX
— Dundee Football Club (@DundeeFC) February 14, 2025
When the Independent launched in 1986, he was appointed as its first football correspondent, moving to The Observer 5 years later.
He spent the majority of his career at The Sunday Telegraph, where he was its football correspondent for more than a decade.
In 2009 he moved to The Times as its Chief Football Correspondent.
As well as writing for newspapers, he published a biography of Sir Alex Ferguson – Football – Bloody Hell!. He also wrote biographies of Arsenal’s Herbert Chapman and Jose Mourinho.
He covered 9 World Cups, 10 European Championships and 4 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments before retiring from regular sports journalism after Euro 2016.
“Patrick is one of the greatest sports writers of his or any other generation,” said Darren Lewis of the Sports Journalists Association.
“He was a reference point for some of the significant moments in post-war football history and could be relied on, in an era of increasing recency bias, to provide foot-on-the-ball context and analysis.
“To suggest Paddy was hugely respected and warmly regarded is an understatement, by some way.
“He was an inspiration to younger journalists – including myself – to whom he was always welcoming and for whom he always had words of encouragement.
“He will be massively missed. Our thoughts are with his loved ones.”
Ah no. Such sad news. RIP Paddy 🙏🏻
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) February 14, 2025
Paddy will always be held in great esteem by everyone at Manchester United and we send our sympathies to his loved ones at this time.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 14, 2025
Gutted to hear about Paddy Barclay passing away. Sat with him last month. He was a huge supporter of UWS – it was his idea that Keith Dewhurst write for us.
— Andy Mitten (@AndyMitten) February 14, 2025
Did several long trips with Paddy. Superb company. A proud Scot but lived in Manchester for a while and loved the city. RIP pic.twitter.com/aOoOKki3Ds
The Premier League is greatly saddened to hear of the passing of football writer Patrick Barclay.
— Premier League Communications (@PLComms) February 14, 2025
The former chairman of @theofficialFWA and longstanding member of the Premier League Awards Panel was regarded with great admiration by all in football who knew him.
The thoughts… pic.twitter.com/4uy2uQNrIE
