Critically acclaimed journalist and Correspondent for five British national newspapers Patrick Barclay sadly passes away at age 77.
Critically acclaimed and respected journalist Patrick Barclay has sadly passed away aged 77.
After starting his journalism career at the Guardian, Barclay went on to work for several other broadsheet newspapers in this nation, including the Times, the Independent, the Observer, and the Sunday Telegraph. In addition to writing a lot of football books, Barclay was a dynamic and captivating commentator on the game for a number of radio and television programs, including Sky Sports’ Sunday Supplement.
“It is with the greatest sadness that we must announce the death of our dear Patrick Barclay,” read a statement from Barclay’s family. “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.”
Barclay, a Dundee FC supporter who was born and reared in the city, began working for the Guardian in the 1970s as a subeditor for the Evening Telegraph before switching to sports writing. He collaborated with David Lacey, the football correspondent for the Guardian. Barclay was the Independent’s first football correspondent when it initially began in 1986. After relocating to the Observer in 1991, he joined the Sunday Telegraph as a football correspondent five years later, a position he maintained until 2008.
Barclay took over as the Times’ primary football analyst a year later, a position he held until December 2011. He started writing for the Evening Standard, his final newspaper, a year later. Overall, Barclay covered seven World Cups, eight European Championships and four Africa Cup of Nations, as well as serving as chairman of the Football Writers’ Association.
“Such awful news. Paddy Barclay has died,” wrote the football journalist Philippe Auclair on Bluesky. “A super writer, a magnificent man, a friend of 30 years. How we will miss that smile.” Paying his own tribute, the Guardian’s chief sports writer, Barney Ronay, wrote: “So sad. He was very nice to me as a new person on the beat many years ago. Always remembered that. And always just so funny.”
Manchester United also paid tribute to Barclay. “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,” read a statement by the club. Everton and Fulham were among the other clubs to pay tribute to Barclay.