Paul Cross {born 31 October 1965) is an English former footballer who made 237 appearances in the Football League playing for Barnsley, Preston North End, Hartlepool United and Darlington. Cross was a left back for Barnsley from 1983 to 1991. He progressed through the ranks of the youth side, finally achieving first team status under the management of local lad head-hunter, Allan Clarke. The defender owes much of his recognition to Eric Winstanley, a huge influence and early mentor of Cross.