James Wilmshurst first donned the Barney costume as an eighteen-year-old a couple of decades ago, and has continued to do so throughout the many highs – and many lows – that the period has brought with it.
This weekend, however, will be the last.
While Barney will be reincarnated by another, James will be stepping away from a job that has brought him so much happiness over the years. A Wednesdayite himself, he’ll now watch on from the stands – and be a lot cooler doing so!
The Wednesday Word reached out to him after he announced his exit this week, and ‘Barney’ explained that he’s heading out on a new venture as he opens the Ale & Radio Indie Beer Shop on Station Road in Chapeltown.
The opening of his shop means that Saturdays will often be out of the question for him, hence the reason why the woolly head will be passed on.
“29th August, Bromley,” he said on Twitter. “My last game (don’t worry, Barney is staying!) It’s an emotional thing to write, but after 20 years at Sheffield Wednesday as one of the club’s matchday mascots, the time has come for me, James, to hang up my Barney scarves.
“I’ve recently started a new business and welcomed a new baby owl to the nest, which sadly means I can no longer give the matchday role the commitment it deserves. After 20 incredible years, though, it feels like the right time - and it’s comforting to be leaving my role at such a positive moment, with the future of the club looking so bright. I started as Barney when I was just 18 years old, having grown up watching Wednesday. At that age, it really was the dream job.
“Never in a million years did I think I’d still be doing it 20 years later! Barney has become a huge part of my life and, in many ways, part of my identity… One of the most special things has been seeing so many young Wednesdayites grow up over the years. Kids I met as Barney are now adults themselves, bringing their own children to Hillsborough. That has been pretty amazing to witness.
“I always had one dream — to one day be Barney in the Premier League. We came very close, and I’m sad I never quite got to tick that one off the list, but I’m confident the club is heading in that direction under the new ownership. Hopefully I’ll be there to see it from the stands.
“Through the great times & the difficult ones, I’ve loved every minute of representing my club. I’m incredibly proud to play a small part in Sheffield Wednesday’s story, alongside Ozzie, who over those 20 years has become the very best of friends as well as a brilliant colleague.
“For me, it’s time to go back to simply being a Wednesdayite - coming to the games as a fan and bringing my own little owlings along with me. So, see you on Saturday for my last one… And finally, a massive thank you to every supporter, colleague past and present, friend and family member who has supported me and made me feel part of the Wednesday family over the last 20 years. It has genuinely meant more to me than I can put into words.
“I might be hanging up the Barney scarves, but I’ll always be part of this family. Once an Owl, always an Owl.”
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