Barnsley came in for his services in 1982, and he went on to make 42 appearances for the South Yorkshire club, scoring eleven goals.
After leaving Oakwell, Cunningham remained in the White Rose county, making 28 appearances and scoring five goals for Sheffield Wednesday.
In 1984 Cunningham had a short spell with Manchester City before moving to the North East to join Jack Charlton's Newcastle United.
As the team struggled, Cunningham was made a scapegoat, and at the end of the 1988–89, he rejoined Ellis, who had become manager of Bury.
After almost 500 league games and over one hundred goals, he ended his career with non-league Gainsborough Trinity.