The term “Barclaysmen” has gained traction recently in football discussions, particularly among those who yearn for the days of old.
It seems to be that the term has come under the spotlight thanks to the Cultras Football Podcast, that does a deep dive into football culture and has possibly helped in coming up with this term.
The Barclays era of the Premier League is cemented in football heritage. Barclays was a proud title sponsor and banking partner of the Premier League from 2001 to 2016.
The era was and still remains a cultural phenomenon. A perfect recipe that comprised of 45 yard screamers, 22 baggy shirts on the pitch, brexit tackles flying around and a bit of banter.
A Barclaysmen is a footballer that embodies the charm of that era. A blend of talent and those who played for the badge, and maybe won more hearts than games for their club.
The Barclays era officially spanned from 2001 to 2016, but the truth is that Barclays is not just an era, but a state of mind. It’s a zeitgeist thing and some players just ooze the spirit of being a Barclaysman.
The hashtag on twitter see’s both fans and clubs finding players that might have gone under the radar during their career but embody this raw spirit, and creating a compilation of them and pairing it with a 90’s Indie tune.
Fans are loving this trend, out goes the VAR, the xG and the modernization of the beautiful game, being a Barclaysman celebrates the unpredictable mavericks these players were and true essence of football and what we knew it as.
Now that we’ve explored what defines a Barclaysman and the nostalgia surrounding this unique label, let’s take a closer look at some of the players who perfectly embody the spirit of this era.
Marko Arnautovic
Marko Arnautovic, the stocky Austrian forward, a hero at Stoke, known for his playmaking and goalscoring has Stoke fans reminiscing of Arnautovic, Crouch and Shaqiri era. The admin at Stoke probably had teary eyes making this compilation as the side long to make a return to the Prem.
Michu
You simply have to love Michu at Swansea. His first season in the Premier League (and Swansea’s second) saw Michu bang in 18 goals in the league, four more in the cups, a victorious League Cup campaign that saw the Swans win a trophy and qualify for the Europa League, and cult Barclaysman status solidified for the man from Oviedo.
Steven Pienaar
Bringing the DNA from RSA, Pienaar had multiple spells in Merseyside with Everton between 2008-16. His link up with Leighton Baines and his rugged yet skilful play made Everton fans fall in love with him.
Rory Delap
The long throw legend, Rory Delap embodies the Barclaysmen spirit. The man possessed a throw so powerful players preferred to give away corners rather than have Delap sling one into the box. The art of a long throw has been lost, with almost nobody mastering the skill that Delap used to terrorize defenses
Rodallega x N’Zogbia
Long range screamers and tricks a plenty in a blue and white shirt, no not Man City its Wigan Athletic. The duo were technically so sound that they were the most sought after in 2011, with Arsenal having eyes on them. Colombian Rodallega and Frenchman N’Zogbia outperformed a struggling Wigan side in their time.
Mark Viduka
Leeds jumped in on the trend with Viduka as their Barclaysmen. The Australian striker carried an air of subtlety a few gave him credit for. With a great turn for a big guy and a knack for scoring with his back to the goal, Viduka was a true no.9.
Carlton Cole
The ultimate mix of power and unpredictability, Carlton Cole had a bit about him wearing the claret and blue for West Ham. The striker had quick feet for his massive 6’3’ build, which meant whether it was bulldozing, gliding or scoring the odd screamer, he was the man for all.
