September 2008
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Ian Wilkinson at 18:06:00 0
At 19:12, confirmed on Radio 'Dee Dar'. "Brian Howard on the subs bench, tonight", at the Keepmoat Stadium for Donny vs the Blunts! 

Then un-confirmed literally moments later, in a live one-to-one, between Kevin Blackwell and 'Football Heaven' presenter Seth Bennett. 

What a charade!!
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Ian Wilkinson at 11:27:00 0
Source: Barnsley FC Official Site

AS our fans will attest, it is not the normal policy of Barnsley FC to comment on transfers to and from the Club until complete and irrevocable agreement has been reached.

Given the widespread reporting yesterday that the Club has agreed terms with Sheffield United for the transfer of Brian Howard, it is necessary to make a statement.

As at 9.00am this morning, the terms offered in writing by Sheffield United for the transfer of Brian were not acceptable, most particularly in terms of proposed sell-on arrangements.

Overnight, Barnsley FC has received a further acceptable offer for Brian from another club, and as is proper, the Club has reverted to his agents to obtain formally, their client's instructions in relation to this opportunity.

We will make further statements as necessary.
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Ian Wilkinson at 22:32:00 0
Barnsley manager Simon Davey could hand a first-team debut to 15-year-old striker Reuben Noble-Lazarus at Ipswich.

Noble-Lazarus and fellow youngster Jamil Adam will both be included in the Tykes' squad for the clash at Portman Road, with Davey hinting they could start on the substitutes' bench.

Noble-Lazarus, who has just turned 15, scored a hat-trick over the weekend for Barnsley's Under-18s, for whom he made his first appearance aged 12.

Captain Brian Howard is no longer available as he looks to complete his move to Sheffield United, while Davey must decide whether to stick with Heinz Muller in goal or recall Luke Steele.

Meanwhile Davey, who has no other new injury or suspension problems, denied he had been in talks with either Sunderland forward David Connolly or veteran Hull striker Dean Windass.

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Ian Wilkinson at 21:47:00 0
A very fitting tribute to Brian Howard.
Liverpool 1 - Barnsley 2

All the best Brian, from On the Ponty End
"When you know which side of your bread's buttered"


Highlights are courtesy of the BBC, Match of the Day 16/02/08
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Ian Wilkinson at 21:25:00 0
and in older news....

Sheffield United have agreed a deal with Barnsley to sign midfielder Brian Howard, subject to a medical.

The 25-year-old will initially join the Blades on loan before making his move permanent in January for a fee believed to be around £500,000.

Blades boss Kevin Blackwell told BBC Radio 'Dee Dar': "We need creativity and goals from midfield and Brian will give us that."

"He should complete his move tomorrow [on Tuesday]."
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Ian Wilkinson at 11:31:00 0
DURING the last close season, Brian Howard through his representatives made it clear that after a successful season personally, he felt it was the right time in his career to move on to a new challenge.

Of course, the Club was keen to retain the services of its captain who has been a fans' favourite since his arrival on a free transfer from Swindon. The club has been prepared at all times to offer new contract terms to Brian to keep him with the Reds but his representatives have declined that opportunity.

On Monday September 22, 2008, the Board of Barnsley FC met with Brian Howard and his representatives.Patrick Cryne and manager Simon Davey were also in attendance. Brian confirmed directly to the parties present that he wished to leave the Club and did not wish to discuss a new contract with the Reds.

As a consequence the Board resolved that, in the interests of all parties, Brian Howard would be allowed to leave the Club at the earliest opportunity, subject to Barnsley FC receiving compensation.

Further statements will be made as appropriate.
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Ian Wilkinson at 17:41:00 0
Barnsley anhialated Norwich in the first twenty minutes of this Championship encounter.

Amongst their numerous goal attempts, including an audacious effort by Diego Leon to lob the Norwich keeper from just inside the oppositions half, Barnsley were awarded a Penalty. Macken failed to convert.

The first half belonged to the Reds. Their passing was sweet and their movement had pace and an edge that has so far been missing this term. This was certainly their best attempt to put the opposition to the sword with Jamal Campbell-Ryce cutting through the Norwich midfield and defence at will. There was no end result, they simply failed to capitalise.

After the break, their zest had disappeared. The game had slowed down dramatically and Norwich were comfortable. At times, both teams were pedestrian in their adventure. Today it was unlikely that the Reds would concede a goal and perhaps that is something positive to take out of the game.

If the Oakwell crowd had suddenly forgotten all about Brian Howard, they could easily have been forgiven. On today's display, the Reds have bags of creativity in the like's of Leon and Campbell-Ryce. But, by full-time and after reflection, most fans will be wondering that without Howard in the team, who else is going to score?
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Ian Wilkinson at 16:57:00 0
The Ponty End have seen the last of Brian Howard as a Barnsley player.

Today, Barnsley have agreed a deal with Sheffield United, which will allow the player to join the Blades on loan, before making his permanent switch to Bramall Lane in the January transfer window.

Whilst the full details of the deal are not yet known, the transfer fee is believed to be worth around £600,000, for a player who is in his final year of his contract at Oakwell. 

The player will be fondly remembered for his FA Cup heroics at Anfield and I'm sure that most fans will wish him well in his career.

We must assume that a new contract could never have been brokered to keep the player at the club, and therefore this has to be seen as good business on Barnsley's part. After all, this is a player who would have inevitably left on a free at the end of the season.

Brian Howard was a spectator today in the Dimensions Stand, as the Reds took on Norwich.

In one last serenade to their hero, the Ponty End summed up their feelings for him perfectly. After one rousing chorus of "there's only One Brian Howard", the player responded by applauding the Oakwell faithful. Their immediate farewell riposte was to give him both barrels with "Dee Dar, Dee Dar, Dee Dar".
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Ian Wilkinson at 11:04:00 0

BARNSLEY manager Simon Davey has urged the club's supporters to lay off his players ahead of today's home game with Norwich City.

The Tykes are desperate for a victory after an abysmal start to the season which has left the club sitting rock bottom of the Championship table with only four points from the first seven games.

To make matters worse, today's visitors Norwich are also regarded as a bogey side at Oakwell, having won the last six meetings between the two clubs.

Davey, a hero last season when steering Barnsley to the FA Cup semi-finals, is under increasing pressure to get things right, but says the supporters also have an important role to play.

"It is the modern trend in football for supporters to voice their opinions," he said. "I will take the criticism and the pressure, if it comes, but I don't want the supporters getting on the backs of the players.

"Players who are nervous make mistakes," he added. "They are the ones who have to go out and perform so we need the supporters right behind them and hopefully we can give them a performance they deserve."

Davey enjoys the luxury of having virtually a full-strength squad at his disposal – only loan striker Maceo Rigters (hamstring) and reserve striker Michael Coulson (knee) are still missing.

Both Anderson De Silva and Heinz Muller returned last week after recovering from cruciate knee ligament operations while Argentinian Hugo Colace has played the last three games in midfield after the lengthy delay in obtaining his international clearance.

Encouraged by last weekend's goalless draw at Southampton, Davey's side can now be judged more fairly. "Results state that we cannot be happy with the way things have gone so far, but it is great to have so many quality players available and now it is time to pick a team to go out and win a game," he said. "If we can get the right result, things will turn around very quickly. That first away point has given us a platform to build on."

Norwich will leave their traditional yellow shirts at home to play in a new all-black away kit for the first time. Davey will hope that the Reds make it a black day for the visitors on the pitch in every respect.
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Ian Wilkinson at 23:45:00 0
A PROGRAMME from the 1910 FA Cup Final featuring Barnsley could fetch £1,000 when it goes under the hammer today, auctioneers think.

The booklet gives details of Newcastle United's 1-1 draw with Barnsley at Crystal Palace on Saturday April 23 1910 - Newcastle went on to win a replay 2-0 at Goodison Park on April 28.

It is going on sale at an auction run by auctioneers Keys in Aylsham, Norfolk.

The firm's book specialist Andrew Bullock said it was found inside a book.

Mr Bullock said the programme fell out of the book and the owner had not realised that it was there.

(Picture Top Right © Christie's Images Ltd)

Made to replace the original trophy in 1895 and used between 1896 and 1910, the trophy was won by the likes of Manchester United, Newcastle United, Everton and Aston Villa.
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Ian Wilkinson at 12:13:00 0
The second Coca-Cola Football League Podcast is available now through iTunes and http://www.football-league.co.uk/.

LISTEN NOW

Click here to listen to the second episode in full now
Click here to subscribe via iTunes

This free service for supporters of all Football League clubs is available every Thursday right through to the end of the season and is hosted by BBC Radio Five Live's 'Voice of The Football League' Mark Clemmit.
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Ian Wilkinson at 12:02:00 0

By Daily Mirror Sport

Crewe coach Steve Holland hopes his men will be inspired by Barnsley's heroics when they take to the pitch at Anfield.

Holland took his squad on a tour of the stadium to acclimatise them before tonight's clash with Liverpool and aims to follow the example of the Tykes, who seven months ago left Merseyside having knocked their Premier League hosts out of the FA Cup.

"We know facing any Liverpool side is going to be extremely difficult because they have fantastic players, but we'll go there with belief," said Holland. "There's absolutely no point getting on the bus if we don't have that. It's a great chance for our players to cause an upset."
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Ian Wilkinson at 11:55:00 0
Barnsley boss Simon Davey says he has sympathy for both Luke Steele and Jon Macken who were both axed at the weekend.

Davey switched things around at Southampton and gained a point in a goalless draw, which could have been better had Iain Hume netted a sitter late on, but he has sympathy for the duo who were left out.

Davey told the Sheffield Star: "It was something that I felt I had to change, that's no detriment to Luke, he has played really well and he can feel hard done by, Jon too.

"But for a missed chance right at the end we would have won the game.

"We've got a point and it's something to build on."
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Ian Wilkinson at 19:34:00 0
Texaco Fantasy Football 08/09 game, your chance to don the sheepskin coat, and manage a team of stars from the Coca Cola Championship for the duration 2008/09 season!

Armed with a challenging transfer budget, it's your job to spot those bargains and pick 11 players man enough to lead you to glory! Whether you're after the goals of Kevin Phillips, the creativity of Robbie Blake, or the safe hands of Wayne Hennessey, the choice will be entirely yours.

The game is completely FREE to play, and there are some fantastic prizes up for grabs for those of you whose teams get to the top of the pile.

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Ian Wilkinson at 11:41:00 0

JET-LAGGED Iain Hume missed a golden chance to give Barnsley their first away win in five months — and ease the pressure on under-fire boss Simon Davey.

Canada international Hume beat Southampton’s offside trap five minutes from time before rounding keeper Kelvin Davis.

But, when faced with an open goal, Hume screwed the ball into the side netting.

The £1million summer signing from Leicester was substituted in the midweek defeat to Cardiff after struggling to overcome a long flight back from his native Canada the day before.

Davey continues to lead the Championship sack race as Barnsley remain rooted to the bottom of the table and, on this evidence, they do not look to be heading any higher.

Saints were by far the more positive of two sides who no doubt will be contesting the relegation places come the end of the season.

Credit

Credit for that must go to Saints boss Jan Poortvliet, who has tuned his young side to play attractive football. But, ultimately, they lack a cutting edge.

Bradley Wright-Phillips was denied by recalled Tykes keeper Heinz Muller on 10 minutes, while David McGoldrick should have done better from Jack Cork’s cross in front of goal — but his touch proved too heavy.

Fulham target Adam Lallana seemed Saints’ best source of goals with his purposeful running, but he could not do it all alone.

Then Andrew Surman was sent clear on 70 minutes for the home side’s best chance.

But the midfielder momentarily lost control of the ball when bearing down on the Barnsley goal, allowing defender Rob Kozluk to make a last-ditch challenge.

As both sides searched in vain for the decisive goal, Hume fluffed his lines before Muller denied substitute Stern John and on-loan striker Tomas Pekhart.
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Ian Wilkinson at 11:39:00 2
The first ever Coca-Cola Football League Podcast is available now through iTunes and www.football-league.co.uk.

LISTEN NOW



This free service for supporters of all Football League clubs is available every Thursday right through to the end of the season and is hosted by BBC Radio Five Live's 'Voice of The Football League' Mark Clemmit.

Show one was recorded, earlier this week, at Sincil Bank - home of Lincoln City - and features Imps manager Peter Jackson talking frankly about his recent battle with throat cancer and his return to the dug out, as well as the remarkable signing of Romanian striker Adrian Patulea.

Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell joins in too and discusses his hopes for the season ahead at Bramall Lane, along with the Blades groundbreaking tie-up with the island of Malta.

'Clem' also get the lowdown on Barnsley's Brian Howard's loves and loathes from Glasgow Rangers to German trance music and up and coming Oldham Athletic winger Chris Taylor reveals how he originally styled himself on midfield hard-man Patrick Vieira.

If you're registered with iTunes, you can set up a weekly subscription by clicking here.

Alternatively, if you're unfamiliar with how to listen to podcasts you can read a helpful guide by clicking here.

Between now and the end of the season the Coca-Cola Football League Podcast will feature all 72 League clubs, so make sure you listen to the show this week and every week.
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Ian Wilkinson at 00:27:00 0

BARNSLEY football boss Simon Davey is risking a fatwa after sidelining a Muslim player.

French-born winger Mounir El Haimour, one of the Championship team’s top stars, was dropped for starving himself during Ramadan.

The 27-year-old has been warming the bench after suffering a dramatic loss of form during September’s holy month.

Yesterday manager Davey said the devout player’s fasting is affecting his football, as Muslims must abstain from all food and drink during daylight hours.

Haimour signed for £200,000 from Swiss club NE Xamax and Davey, 37, said: “It’s difficult for him, but as a football manager I need everyone at 100%.’’

But an angry fan wrote on an Islamic website: “The attitude of his manager is what we’ve come to expect from non-believers. He should be warned of the dangers of insulting Islam.’’
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Ian Wilkinson at 17:55:00 0
Barnsley take on Southampton tomorrow, desperate to lift themselves off the foot of the Championship.

Manager, Simon Davey defended his recent planning and the changes he has had to make. "With every decision, there is a thought process going in to it", discussing how some fans may not fully appreciate other issues which impact on team selection, formation and tactics.

Hopefully the Reds fans will be behind the team this weekend.

"Rest assured that we are working our socks off to make sure that the next game at Southampton is the game to turn it around".

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Ian Wilkinson at 17:41:00 0
Dear Ol' Ear `Ole,

Isn't it strange, how life can deal you with opposite hands so quickly?

I'm sure that my situation is like many others; where having to scrimp and save on some of life's luxuries is now essential. For me in particular, I have always had a penchant for expensive Cuban cigars.

Through some loop-hole with my insurance company, I discovered a system to win back some cash. With this information, I decided to pursue a claim.

I explained that my last batch of Cigars had been destroyed in a series of small fires.

Not only did they honour my claim, but last week I received a cheque for the princely sum of £2,000. Overjoyed, I promptly left my house to cash in my deserved pay-out.

Life can kick you in the teeth - eh? Having cashed my cheque at the bank, I was promptly greeted by the Boys in Blue.

Alas, I am now awaiting trial on charges of criminal damage and arson!

What are the chances of that?


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Ian Wilkinson at 19:14:00 0
I've been losing a small (pseudo) fortune on this prediction system of late. My luck has to turn soon.

Barnsley travel to St Mary's this weekend to take on Southampton. Surely the Reds can get back on track here.

Prediction wise: Can you do any better? It's just for fun!


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Ian Wilkinson at 21:25:00 0
Ask any farmer, and he will tell you that the biggest risk to his harvest is not pestilence, but persistent wet weather.

Tonight, Old Mac-Davey must be left scratching his head. He has to figure out how he's going to survive on a crop that looked damaged from previous storms and was left sodden on the Oakwell soil tonight.

From the outset, Cardiff were an athletic force tonight. In every department they were quick, they passed the ball well and threatened Barnsley throughout the first half. It would be fair to say that they were awkward to play around, Cardiff broke down any play that the Reds could muster (of which there was very little), forcing mistakes from the Reds and capturing possession back quickly.

Cardiff's reward came early, on 14 minutes. Peter Whittingham seized on a defensive mistake by Barnsley full back Darren Moore to put the Bluebirds one-up. For the remainder of the first half, Cardiff dominated and it could have been a rout.

Had the plan been to "rope-a-dope" the opposition, you could have been fooled. In the second half, Cardiff did not play with the same intensity and Barnsley had their breaks. But tonight, the Reds were poor. Very few attacks led to any serious pressure on the Cardiff goal.

Man of the Match went to Darren Moore. I was shocked. For me, the only shining light tonight was the returning Jamal Campbell-Ryce. And whilst Jon Macken worked hard, he is bereft of a partner in the less than confident Kayode Odejayi.

The outlook is less than encouraging. There are thunder clouds in the Ponty End. Old Mac-Davey must act quickly, or this crop will rot.

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Ian Wilkinson at 17:28:00 0

Back In T' Premier Range - Now on Sale

Be the envy of your mates, or be the first t' put-darn - before any Wednesdayite, Blade or similar. This genuine range is available now for immediate shipping.

These are must have items for any self depricating Barnsley FC Fan. The present range consists of Mens and Ladies T-Shirts, Hooded Tops and Mugs. More items will be added soon.


On the Ponty End: when you know which side of your bread's buttered

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Ian Wilkinson at 18:51:00 0
When I think of the two things that would cause me to have a crap weekend, I can think of only two things in particular.

1. A day out in Blackpool
2. Barnsley losing

Ah well, things aren't too bad. I wouldn't step foot in Blackpool, for all of Clamp's Pork Pies.
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Ian Wilkinson at 21:28:00 0

When you get a semi erect penis all of a sudden, not expecting it, you can say you have a Barnsley FC. Can be linked to the football club who reached the semi final of the FA cup against the odds.

"Dude check out that MILF"

"I know mate I have a Barnsley FC"

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Ian Wilkinson at 19:52:00 0

The British litigation system should be praised!

Recently, I was justly awarded £3,000 by my local authority, as compensation for an injury I sustained as a result of tripping over on a public causeway - which was in a very poor state of repair.

Some may consider this sum as a small token, considering that I was unable to work for a number of month's following this ordeal. But I remain positive, and continue to look on the bright side of life anyway.

Although my escape from the Police was impaired, I had still managed to give them the slip!
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Ian Wilkinson at 22:28:00 0
Our very own "Fab Four" pose for the camera: Stephen Foster, Kayode Odejayi, Luke Steele and Anderson De Silva.

During the International break, came the arrival of some startling news out of Oakwell. Four members of the first team squad, have united to launch their own tribute to the Beatles' classic album, Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band.

It originally came about as an idea spawned by the Ponty End hero, Anderson De Silva . He explains, "Being out of the game for a number of months, due to a serious knee injury, has been a frustrating time. However, I've tried to use my time out of the game productively."

A lifelong Beatles fanatic, since his early years in Sao Paolo, De Silva has always had a desire to experiment with sound. "I've been locked away over many an afternoon recently, I've been recording animal noises on an old 4 track system I picked up at a car boot in Barnsley market. It's been great, I've been slicing up the tape, then re-joining it and finally I've been playing it back in reverse, with a bit of flange distortion. It's been cool".

Moments after the final whistle, when Barnsley had triumphed over Chelsea in last season's FA Cup quarter final, De Silva was blown away by the interviews given by his colleague, Kayode Odejaye, in which he stated his humble appreciation of the effort put in by his Barnsley team mates.

"That was it. In an instant, I knew we had the next No. 1 smash-hit to top the charts, and I begged Kayode to sing on my version of - With a Little Help from my Friends".

News spread quickly across the dressing room, and other kindred spirits to this classic Beatles' gem began to enquire if they could lend a hand too. "I refused to let some of the lads take part" De Silva said, "Heinz Muller was desperate to sing Getting Better, but that was always going to be my track". There's even a cheeky guest appearance from Eric Winstanley on "When I'm Sixty Four" - we're told.

The final "Fab Four" were finally assembled last week. Luke Steele sings an enigmatic rendition of "Fixing a Hole", plus an eventful version of "A day in the life" from Barnsley's defensive maestro, Stephen Foster.

Has this created a stir with Simon Davey we asked. "The Gaffer's right behind us", De Silva answered. "In fact, many of the lads have gone off to do their own thing, especially since I left them out".

Apparently, Iain Hume is busying himself along with Bobby Hassell in some re-invention of the Sex Pistols' "Never Mind the Bollocks", whilst Diego Leon, Dennis Souza and Miguel Mostto are attempting to match the acoustic talents of the Gypsy Kings.
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Ian Wilkinson at 22:07:00 0
HUGO Colace has at long last been given clearance to play for Barnsley Football Club.

FIFA have granted his provisional clearance, leaving the FA waiting for full clearance, however this means that he is now available for selection by the Reds.

For our new arrival, it has been a frustrating few months at Oakwell. For this writer, the drama is now over. What else is there left to comment on?

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Ian Wilkinson at 22:45:00 0
Reds boss, Simon Davey, has revealed his continuing frustration at the delay of Hugo Colace receiving his international clearance.

Colace was signed from Newell's Old Boys in Argentina back in June, but the club are being stubborn in releasing his clearance to allow him to make his debut for Barnsley.

FIFA gave Newell's a deadline of last Friday to send the clearance but this was ignored and the club could now be punished. 

Davey commented on Radio 'Dee Dar':

"He has not got the clearance yet, and it is getting very frustrating," "We had an email from the FA, but haven't heard anything from Fifa." 

There is hope that Colace could be available for the trip to Blackpool on the 13th
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Ian Wilkinson at 22:32:00 0
“It's a great game, isn't it? It's a fantastic game. For the most part of that afternoon, it was a very enjoyable, terrific performance full of energy and good football and creating chances. Of course, the one cruel bit is in the 92nd minute when we conceded.”
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