Hats off to Barnsley fans as they head south

Wembley flat cap campaigner Martin Colman

Martin Colman is calling on Wembley-bound Barnsley fans to wear their flat caps to the big game this weekend after banter with rivals Oxford United.

They have been winding up one another for weeks on social media ahead of their teams clashing in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final.

One Oxford fan said all Barnsley folk wear flat caps and breed whippets.

Martin, 60, thought it would be better to show a sense of northern humour and irony than take offence.

So he launched a Facebook campaign calling on Reds fans to wear their flat caps to the final this Sunday.

Barnsley fans are decorating their flat caps with the club name and badge.

Some have even posted photos of their pets wearing caps.

Martin, a retired town centre policeman who now has his own autograph and memorabilia business Mustav.co.uk, said he's been overwhelmed by the support.

Reds' fans Jason Mower, Martin Colman, Rachel Smailes and Lyndsey Smith proudly wearing their flat caps

"Oxford United supporters went on social media saying they thought we all wore flat caps and had whippets in Barnsley. So I thought it be ironic if all the Barnsley fans turned up with a flat cap on." he explained t his home in Staincross.

"Let's show these southern softies and the rest of the world that Barnsley is up for a laugh. That's why I want people to do it.

"I think Barnsley have sold about 23,000 tickets. I would love all of them to turn up in flat caps. Just imagine the scene, a sea of flat caps walking up Wembley Way."

Martin, who admits he is follicly challenged, laughed: "It will definitely keep my hair nice and dry. "So come on Barnsley guys and gals going to Wembley. Don't be 'maungy', put your cap on."

Thumbs up from Wembley flat cap campaigner Martin Colman

Barnsley's most famous flat cap wearer, retired Test match umpire Dickie Bird - famed for wearing his during cricket matches all over the world - is now taking one to the game on Sunday, after we told him about the campaign.

Dickie, who turns 83 next month, said: "I didn't know about it, but yes I'll now be taking mine. I've been watching Barnsley all my life. I go to every match at Oakwell and I've seen all their Wembley appearances. I'm sure they'll win this weekend. And I'm also hoping this season we might get promotion back into the Championship. That's the big one."