JASON Thelwell has been the voice of Barnsley Football Club for the last three decades - and he’s set to turn off his microphone for the last time at the end of the season.
The 54-year-old first stood in front of the crowd at Oakwell in 1991 as the Reds faced Grimsby Town.
He was the voice of the club as they won promotion to the Premier League, before leaving in 2003 to take up a role at Dearne FM.
But he returned a decade later and has been at the helm ever since.
He’s seen 37 Barnsley managers on the touchline at Oakwell - and his voice is synonymous with the football club.
He told the Chronicle: “I’ve had two stints at the club over 34 years.
“I remember my first match was Grimsby Town.
“I started just before my 21st birthday and the game was live on Yorkshire TV so that was an added pressure.
“I did it right up until 2003 and then left for Dearne FM before returning.”
Asked about his favourite memories, Jason said: “Getting promoted to the Premier League was a big one.
“I remember in the Premier League season we were playing Manchester United and I was stood on the pitch when a ball hit me.
“It was David Beckham who asked me for the ball back - so that’s my 30 seconds of fame, that I played football with David Beckham.
“Any promotion season is great, too.
“When you make it to Wembley for a play-off final, you’re asked to come down.
“The last one was against Sheffield Wednesday so I had the chance to do it in front of a crowd of 80,000 which was amazing.”
Jason is a lifelong Barnsley fan, and says it’s a privilege to be able to do what he does.
But after 35 years, Jason will step down at the end of the season.
He added: “It’s a big commitment on a weekend.
“It’s not just the 90 minutes of the football match.
“You have to wait until June to plan the next ten months of your life.
“I thought that 35 was a nice, round number.
“It’ll free up some weekends for me but I’ll still go to the games, but it’ll be a little bit more relaxing for me.
“I’d love to end on a promotion season.
“But we’re only two games in so I don’t want to start dreaming just yet.”
Jason has been nominated for a Proud of Barnsley award, and was nominated by his daughter Katie.
She said: “To a lot of people and fans, Jason isn’t just an announcer, he is part of the Barnsley FC identity and the soul of our Saturdays.
“His retirement marks the end of an era, and I think it would mean the world to him to see his work celebrated in this way.
“We can think of no better way to honour his legacy, celebrate him and also thank him than by nominating him for this award.
“His commitment to the club and the community has been truly exceptional.
“Jason Thelwell has dedicated his voice and his heart to Barnsley for almost 35 years.
“We truly believe that it is time that we all gave a little something back by letting our voices come together to say thank you.”
