February 2009
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Ian Wilkinson at 19:57:00 0
COLACE may not have been awarded "Man-of-the-Match" today, but he epitomised everything about the Barnsley performance this afternoon.

Roy Keane - stand aside, this man was better in every department. His judgement, timing, distribution and nerve - took the Reds to another level today. And he nearly scored...

Facts aside, the Ref must have been substituted by the IRB, because - as I saw it, handling the ball is okay. Three times (at least) a shout was deserved. However, the only card came from a dispute Anderson had with the Ref against Damion Stewart, bizzare!!

Today the Reds played football with their heart. Every player deserved the applause; because, for a change, it seemed to matter. Especially Anderson, who walked to the Ponty End at the final whistle, gesturing (by tapping his arm), that Barnsley is in his blood - what more can you ask?

So many deserve a mention... Adam Hammill, Fozzy, Mosquito, Temouryan, Hassell, etc... etc...

Marvellous stuff Simon Davey - today, I love ya!
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Ian Wilkinson at 19:53:00 0
Barnsley pulled further away from the Coca-Cola Championship relegation zone at the expense of QPR's fading play-off hopes with an excellent performance at Oakwell today.

Anderson de Silva rifled Barnsley in front two minutes before half-time after Damien Delaney's 35th-minute header had cancelled out Daniel Bogdanovic's opener for the Tykes.

And that is how it stayed as Barnsley made it seven points from the last nine available, while QPR are now winless in five.

The hosts started the stronger with the South American pairing of Hugo Colace and De Silva combining well in the midfield engine room to keep the ball moving forward.

It was the Brazilian De Silva who created the first opening as his ball picked out Michael Mifsud, who turned well but then blazed over the crossbar.

The pair would combine again after a quarter of an hour, with Damion Stewart forced to bring down Mifsud right on the edge of the area as he turned on to De Silva's pass. Argentinian midfielder Colace sent the resulting free-kick into the wall.

Wayne Routledge looked the most dangerous player for QPR, but Dexter Blackstock twice wasted chances the winger created with weak shots.

When Blackstock did get his timing right, he went desperately close to scoring, turning Heidar Helguson's header inches wide under pressure from Dennis Souza.

Barnsley then got the reward for all their early probing in the 26th minute.

Mifsud turned provider, crossing from the left for fellow loan striker Bogdanovic to rise and head the ball beyond the reach of Radek Cerny and into the far corner of the net.

QPR had done little to threaten Heinz Muller's goal but they were level in the 35th minute when Matteo Alberti's cross found the head of Delaney who beat the German goalkeeper at the near post.

However, Barnsley found a response two minutes before the break as De Silva pounced on a loose ball inside the area to rifle in a powerful low shot and send his side in ahead at the break.

Adam Hammill brought the second half to life six minutes after the restart, racing down the left wing and into the area to force Cerny into a good save low down.

The Tykes were very much on top and continued to press QPR back inside their own half, without managing to create any clear chances. QPR introduced ex-Real Madrid man Jordi Lopez to make his debut in the 65th minute, replacing Alberti, but they could do little about Barnsley's almost total domination in midfield.

Mifsud had a chance to kill the game in the 74th minute when a wonderful little through-ball from De Silva found his run, but the shot from just inside the area was deflected for a corner. QPR could create nothing in open play, and Kaspars Gorkss headed wide with a rare opening from Routledge's free-kick in the 78th minute.

When Lopez dragged a shot wide with two minutes to go, QPR saw their last chance to get anything from the game go with it.

Yorkshire Post, 28 February 2009
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Ian Wilkinson at 12:48:00 0
BARNSLEY boss Simon Davey is willing to put substance ahead of elegance as he seeks to guide the club away from the danger zone.

The win at Sheffield Wednesday and a goalless home draw with Charlton were not always pretty, but the results have helped Barnsley pull three points above the bottom three going into today's clash with QPR.

From now until the end of the season, Davey is not interested in style points – only league points.

"We always want to play well and win games in style, but I would take picking up four points from six for the rest of the season like we have done in the last week," Davey said.

"It is important for us to put on a show, win, and perform well, but at the moment results are all important. We want to go out and play well against QPR and get the result, but I am sure everybody will be happy if we win the game even if the performance is not good."

Davey admitted he was struggling to put his finger on exactly what had gone wrong in a disjointed performance against Charlton last week.

"If I had the answer to that, and I knew the frame of mind of every player, I wouldn't be sat here as manager of Barnsley, I'd be the manager of Real Madrid," Davey said. "But you have to work that out, that's what my job is from Monday to Friday."

Yorkshire Post, 28 February 2009
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Ian Wilkinson at 13:18:00 0
Barnsley boss Simon Davey is hoping that his Barnsley side can get at a weary QPR side early as they clash at the weekend.

Davey has been under pressure to get his side performing at Oakwell with the Reds not able to win for their home support so far this year and indeed losing every game in January conceding 12 goals in the process.

He told the barnsleyfc.co.uk that his side should be looking to take an early advantage against an inconsistent QPR side that could be flagging after a tough test midweek.

He said: 'We have a lot of difficult games coming up starting with QPR this weekend. QPR are a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde team this season and were beaten by Ipswich but then managed to get a good point at Cardiff. They have a fantastic squad but are capable of a bad result now and again.

'We know what to expect from them. They have experience, flair, height, strength and power but are inconsistent and that is why they, like many teams, are not at the top of the league. They have done a lot of travelling this week and we have to play at a high tempo and get right at them from the first whistle.'
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Ian Wilkinson at 12:51:00 0
THE latest episode of the 'Coca-Cola' Football League podcast is available to download now.

It's a manager's special in this week's Coca-Cola Football League podcast with Mark Clemmit joined by a former England Manager, the League's newest recruit, as well as two other managers playing their trade at different ends of the spectrum.

Former England and Aston Villa Manager Graham Taylor talks about his seven promotions as a Manager, as well as his latest role as a Non-Executive Director at Watford.

Yeovil Town's new Manager Terry Skiverton talks about making the transition from player to Manager at Huish Park, while Phil Parkinson reveals how confidence has improved in the Charlton Athletic camp after their recent results gave them hope in their fight against relegation.

The show's final guest is Macclesfield Town boss Keith Alexander , whose managerial career has seen him take charge of seven different clubs, so he is something of a Football League expert and certainly has some stories to tell!

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

If you're unfamiliar with how to listen to podcasts you can read a helpful guide by clicking here.
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Ian Wilkinson at 18:35:00 0
SCUNTHORPE hope to complete the loan signing of Barnsley striker Kayode Odejayi on Thursday morning.

The 29-year-old Nigeria international is expected to join for an initial month and boost The Iron`s striking options ahead of Saturday`s clash with Leeds.

The 6ft 3in striker joined Barnsley from Cheltenham for £200,000 in June 2007.

Odejayi is famous for his historic winner at Oakwell against Chelsea in last year's FA Cup sixth round and capped a memorable year with an international call-up for Nigeria's summer matches.

The targetman has managed only one goal in 27 appearances this season.
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Ian Wilkinson at 18:32:00 0
BARNSLEY skipper Stephen Foster says the arrival of four new signings at Oakwell has intensified competition for first-team places.

The former Crewe and Burnley defender, back after a hernia operation, says: "Competition for places means the squad looks a lot healthier now.

"The gaffer has got options. It's a few nice headaches for him to have.

"You know you've got to train hard in the week and impress in training. And then if you don't perform well in a match your place could be up for grabs later."

A run of four league defeats was followed by a 1-0 South Yorkshire derby win over Sheffield Wednesday.

And while they only drew with Charlton, the four points from two games will help keep the Reds away from the wrong end of the table, says Foster.

"We've found ourselves near the bottom of the table a few times, but we should pull ourselves clear of trouble," added the 28-year-old.

"Iif we win our games in hand we know we can push up the table.

"It's a difficult league. At the back of our minds we've got to be aware that if we don't go out there and perform we'll go on another run where we've not picked up as many points as we should have.

"We've got to concentrate and be full of confidence. If we play anything like we did against Sheffield Wednesday then we can beat anyone in this league.

"Who'd have thought a big club like Charlton would be bottom of the table at this stage of the season?"

And having spent an unwanted spell on the sidelines Foster admits he finds it hard not to play any part in the action.

"It's not good when the team aren't doing well and you have to watch from the sidelines, knowing you can't help is frustrating.

"But I knew that I wouldn't have been doing the team any favours playing when I was in pain. I had to have an operation, which means I'm hopefully back now for the rest of the season."

Sheffield Star, 25 February 2009
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Ian Wilkinson at 23:50:00 0
A demand for Justice: How did Barnsley fail to earn promotion in 1919?

In 1919, with the First World War over, expansion of First Division was on the agenda. Fans had been starved of football throughout the war years and the game's popularity was rising rapidly.

It was felt there were two logical approaches. Either the two clubs due to be relegated from the first division should stay up, or the clubs that ended third and fourth in the second division should go up. Or there could be a combination – one of the two relegated clubs staying up and the third team coming up.

The top five in division 2 in 1915 were Derby, Preston, Barnsley, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal. The two teams due for relegation from the 1st division were Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea - both London teams.

To further complicate matters, in the final pre-war season, Manchester United had beaten Liverpool 2-0 in a match that was alleged to have been fixed. This was the first case of it's kind to appear in court and was never properly resolved before war had broke out. The simple truth is, Chelsea existed in a relegation spot because of this "fixed" result, in a position that should have been occupied by Manchester United.

Are you with me so far..?

Enter Sir Henry Norris of Woolwich Arsenal, a boardroom bully, a master tactician, a knight of the realm, occupying a safe Conservative seat in Parliament.

Election, rather than promotion to a league was not uncommon and had been practiced many times before by the league's AGM. Norris knew that if he were to get Arsenal into the top league it would only be as the final club added to the mix – there were many others with bigger claims than the Gunners.

He therefore went about the task of supporting other clubs in their demand for first division status. First, he argued Chelsea’s case. A match proven to have been fixed had cost Chelsea their place in the league. That needed to be put right. If it wasn’t, he argued, Chelsea could well disrupt the whole process of getting the league going again, by asking for a judicial review of the procedures of the league. Chelsea it must be, said Norris, and Chelsea it was.

Next Norris supported the applications of Derby and Preston. They had played in a league in which the prize for their positions was clearly promotion – to change that rule now would be contrary to all natural justice he said. It was agreed – and with Chelsea’s place secured it now remained to decide exactly which club would be the final member of the enlarged league.

Two teams had an obvious claim. Tottenham Hotspur, who could argue that as Chelsea had survived relegation so should they, and Barnsley who came third in the old second division.


At this point Norris pulled his masterstroke. Having led the meetings and gained agreement on three issues he suddenly took a back seat and let the Liverpool delegation suggest that the final member should be…. Norris’ Arsenal.

Surprised? Maybe you shouldn't be. Remember, it was easier for the clubs i.e. Manchester United and Liverpool to play the game and support Sir Norris and his desire to get Arsenal elected. The alternative was clear. Norris would have been able to build a case against both, potentially having them catapulted in to Division Two on account of their "unresolved" pre-war match fixing. It was check-mate.

Exactly how Sir Henry Norris nobbled the Football League Management Committee has never been revealed but it is suspected that some of them were bribed in some way. Certainly in later life Sir Henry Norris was caught out in some unsavoury business and disappeared from public life.

Surely, 90 years is long enough for the football league to allow all supporters access to the information, relating to that day in 1919?

JOIN THE FIGHT SIGN OUR PETITION HERE (if required - input code 1919 - to submit your signature)

Please help by distributing this link to other supporters. OnThePontyEnd will demand a response from the Football League by presenting this petition to them on 1st June 2009. With your help, this request will make these records available to the public, in full - for the first time ever.

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Ian Wilkinson at 12:52:00 0
THE next meeting of the Barnsley FC Supporters Trust will be held next Thursday (March 5, 2009) at Oakwell.

The guest speaker will be Patrick Cryne.

The meeting, taking place in the Oakwell Legends Suite, is open to members and their guests only although memberships and renewals will be taken on the night. The meeting starts at 7.00pm.
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Ian Wilkinson at 12:49:00 0
BARNSLEY striker Daniel Bogdanovic is convinced his partnership with international team-mate Michael Mifsud will blossom given time.

Bogdanovic netted on his Reds debut and although the Maltese duo have impressed in the two games they've played alongside each other, there have been no goals just yet.

But the former Lokomotiv Sofia hitman is confident that he and Coventry City loan forward Mifsud will soon be finding the back of the net.

Bogdanovic said: "I think me and Michael are working well together, but the goals haven't come yet.

"To be honest, I did not have many chances to score a goal against Charlton but as a team we didn't do great.

"It's not only me where the goals can from; there's Jon Macken and (Kayode] Odejayi, who are both excellent players.

"I played with Jon in my first game for the club and felt very good, it's easy to play with him.

"With Michael it's a different type of game, it's a one-touch game where we release each other.

"We've scored a lot of goals together for the national team, but it's going to take time for us to settle together. I'm hopeful for the future."

Bogdanovic has been impressed with his time at Oakwell so far and is happy if Simon Davey's team sacrifice style for points in their bid to push up the Championship table.

He said: "I'm sure we'll push away from the relegation zone, the most important thing is to get the points.

"I don't mind not playing nice as long as we get the points. I'd rather play rubbish and get the points than play like Brazil and not get anything.

"I'm adapting to life in England. I miss home, but that's normal. But I find myself at home in Barnsley, I feel very good. The people are spectacular, they've been great with me."

Davey's team made it four points from their last two matches with a goalless draw at home to Charlton Athletic at the weekend, but Bogdanovic and the boss see room for improvement.

Bogdanovic said: "The performance was very bad although we got a point, but at this stage of the season we want to get as many points as possible.

"We were a bit tired after the Sheffield Wednesday match, it was a tough game for us. But that's not an excuse for the way we played.

"These things sometimes happen in football, but it's not easy to play teams like Charlton who are at the bottom of the table.

"They had nothing to lose, they came to us to defend and it wasn't easy. They came in to destroy our game.

"We like to play football and they packed up their defence and midfield so it wasn't easy for us to manoeuvre the ball.

"But luckily we got a point, which is worth gold at this stage in the season."

Sheffield Star, 24 February 2009
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Ian Wilkinson at 17:42:00 0
THERE is a wonder in being at Oakwell on a bracing Saturday afternoon. Your mind races, at times in awe of everything you see around you.

Have you ever pondered why litter, created from the sweet wrappers and crisp packets, loves to nestle around the goal near the Ponty End in blustery conditions? Or seen how the discarded Greggs carrier bags, take on their own personality and fly in the wind; in such an extraordinary way? Almost teasing the observer to guess "which way will I fly now?" only to see your predictions dashed.

As the sun fades and dusk begins to take it's early grip, the man-made brilliance of the floodlights begins to work it's magic. A flock of gulls in flight are dancing in a myriad of directions around the glow. Their bodies becoming Spitfire-esque in the control and speed they demonstrate at play.

And then, just like a needle being suddenly grated accross a vinyl record, instantly bringing a soothing tune to halt. I realise it's Saturday afternoon and I'm at Oakwell.

Once more that feeling is there. Like you've just rushed to the toilet, with an urgent case of the runs. Spending what seems like ages before you finally emerge, thinking you've finally got over the worst of it. Confidently, pulling back up your trousers, to return to the bosom of your loving family. Then painfully being reminded that your body requires you to go through the same process yet again. Yes, it's pants down time once more!

But as one chap put it, "they've lost more ground on the Play-Offs now". I would like to think there was a sincerity in that.

For me, I had found something to keep my glass half-full.
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Ian Wilkinson at 17:39:00 0
BARNSLEY and Charlton opted to play the long ball despite the blustery conditions at Oakwell - which ended in a goalless draw.

The best effort in the first half came inside the first five minutes when Andranik Teymourian had a chance to test Rob Elliot in the Charlton goal, but blazed well wide of the left-hand post.

Barnsley boss Simon Davey stuck with the same side that ended their Hillsborough hoodoo in midweek.

Darren Moore and Jamal Campbell-Ryce played their final games before serving one-match bans, while the Tykes boss opted not to rest Teymourian who was substituted in midweek due to fatigue.

Bottom-club Charlton were without Deon Burton, who served a one-match ban, while Tom Soares, who recently extended his loan stay, led the line with Tresor Kandol as expected.

Fresh from their first victory at Sheffield Wednesday since 1979 the home side made a positive start with Coventry loanee Michael Mifsud looking lively.

Defender Marciano van Homoet fizzed the ball across the face of goal early on but none of the advancing Barnsley attackers could get the decisive touch.

The ball eventually fell to Teymourian but he failed to find the target from the left-hand side of the area and never troubled Addicks stopper Elliot with his follow-up effort.

Minutes later Mifsud went on a mazy run and jinked past Charlton defender Mark Hudson. He drove the ball into the box but it again lacked a final touch.

Daniel Bogdanovic and Mifsud both had further efforts blocked as the hosts went on the offensive.

But despite their dominance, they were unable to carve out any clear-cut chances much to the frustration on the home crowd.

The visitors were not without chances of their own and Tykes goalkeeper Heinz Muller did well to hold a looping header from Hudson just before the break.

Sheffield Star, 21 February 2009
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Ian Wilkinson at 19:18:00 0
TWITTER is apparently all the rage now, with many celebrity "officionados" now using this new service to keep fans up-to-date on Tour Dates, Book releases and other work commitments.

Whilst On the Ponty End is far from in this stratosphere, Twitter could be the solution to getting news fast - on the move - without profiting the expensive "text alert services". Twitter is by far the best mobile information service out there at the moment, giving you instant access to friends, family and other information whilst you are on the move via SMS alerts or even at your PC.

Half-time and full time scores for the Reds, transfer news, match reports and my occasional rants and attempts at humour are now there, regularly updated. And sometimes, why say a thousand words when just a few will do!


You're probably using it and loving it - then come and follow me, using it and puzzled by it - come along for the ride, given up on it - why not try again?, considering trying it or desperately attempting to ignore it - you've got nothing to lose and might prove you were right anyway!

With updates to the Twitter version of this blog as they happpen - On the Ponty End is now on Twitter
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Ian Wilkinson at 08:38:00 0
THEY may be the lowest-placed of our four local clubs in The Championship but they will top the unofficial South Yorkshire League.

Tuesday's 1-0 win at Hillsborough was win No 4 out of the the five local derbies they have played and means they can't be caught.

They already have amassed 12 points and still have a game to play which will be the last of the dozen derby clashes between the South Yorkshire quartet - at Bramall Lane on Tuesday, April 7. Sheffield Wednesday currently lie second on nine points but will lose runners-up spot to United should the Blades beat Barnsley in the final derby.

United have won two of their five matches but currently have the identical goal difference to Wednesday therefore a Blades win would ensure they finished above the Owls on goal difference.

Doncaster Rovers, the current form team of The Championship, will finish bottom of the four.

They may have taken the scalps of United and Wednesday in the past month but suffered a double defeat to Barnsley and had previously lost to both Sheffield clubs.

Barnsley's win on Tuesday meant they concluded home and away wins for them over Doncaster and Wednesday - and it was their first such double over the Owls for 63 years.

The only other double was Wednesday's over United although Kevin Blackwell's team have the chance of going out with a double as they won at Oakwell.

Barnsley's 4-1 home win over Doncaster - achieved with 10 men as well - represents the biggest win so far.

Local derbies are traditionally thought of as tight affairs - well, in the 11 played so far, there hasn't been a single draw!

The Star, 20th February 2009
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Ian Wilkinson at 18:57:00 0
Barnsley boss Simon Davey has demanded that Tuesday night’s Hillsborough heroics must now be repeated on a regular basis, in the aftermath of their first league double over local rivals Sheffield Wednesday - for 62 years.

Speaking to the Chronicle, he said that the 1-0 win over the Owls must be followed up by victory over bottom-of-the-table Charlton at Oakwell on Saturday.

“We have to make sure that the victory at Hillsborough is the start of a good run from now until the end of the season,” said Davey. “We’ve got to go out there and do the business on the pitch against Charlton."
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Ian Wilkinson at 18:53:00 0
The latest episode of the 'Coca-Cola' Football League podcast is available to download now.

Mark Clemmit was at Edgeley Park this week to speak to Stockport County Manager Jim Gannon, who, as a trained accountant, explained why it is important that a football club is run to a budget.

Former Hatters boss and current Cardiff City Manager Dave Jones reflected on how things have changed for him since taking charge of the Bluebirds in comparison to managing Stockport, while Leyton Orient's Jason Demetriou joined the show to talk about his international debut for Cyprus and explains how the chance to represent the homeland of his grandfather came about.

Finally, Derby County goalkeeper Lewis Price, on loan at Luton Town, reflects on his penalty saving heroics that have booked Mick Harford's side a trip to Wembley in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

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

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 19:42:00 1
The South Yorkshire derby between Sheffield United and Barnsley has been moved to April 7th, due to their FA Cup 5th round replay.

Originally scheduled for the 14th February and then changed to the 24th of this month, the new date now accomodates the Blunts' FA Cup 5th round replay.
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Ian Wilkinson at 19:36:00 0
Jamal Campbell-Ryce and Darren Moore have been ruled out of next weekend's clash with Queens Park Rangers, after both picked up their fifth cautions of the season against Sheffield Wednesday last night.

Both will be suspended for one match, starting on February 24.
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Ian Wilkinson at 09:00:00 1
Jamal Campbell-Ryce was not even born the last time Barnsley won at Wednesday but it was his goal that ended the Reds' 26 years of HiIlsborough hurt.

The sweet victory was well worth the wait as it ended a dismal run of five defeats and pulled Barnsley away from the relegation zone.

But Campbell-Ryce could have been long gone from South Yorkshire if Barnsley had accepted a £1m-plus bid for the winger last month.

"We wanted to keep him and that shows the ambition of the club," said Barnsley boss Simon Davey.

"He's a tremendous lad and a big part of what we're trying to do here.

"His goal was magnificent.

Most people would think he'd shoot with his right but he's thrown a few shapes and hit it with his left." The goal came six minutes before the break as Barnsley took advantage of a sluggish start from Wednesday, which left boss Brian Laws livid.

"I've got to try and not go over the top, but I was very angry with our first-half performance, particularly our negative play.

"We're at home and we've got a great crowd behind us and we played with fear in our bellies in the first half and I've never seen us so negative with our passing.

"Second half they defended for their lives, we camped in their half, but just could not break them down."
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Ian Wilkinson at 13:56:00 0
According to skysports.com Barnsley new boy Michael Mifsud admits he cannot wait to make his long-awaited debut against Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday night.

Mifsud, who joined Barnsley on loan until the end of the season from Coventry on transfer deadline day, has seen his debut for his new club delayed because of a number of unfortunate postponements in the last few weeks due to the inclement weather.

The 27-year-old is itching to make up for lost time and he is raring to face Wednesday having scored Coventry's goal of the season last term against The Owls.

Mifsud has set his sights on helping Barnsley escape relegation from the Championship and he knows the importance of Tuesday's clash with Yorkshire rivals Wednesday.

"I can't wait to get out on the pitch against Sheffield Wednesday," Mifsud told skysports.com.

"I realise this is a big match for the club as there is rivalry between the two teams. Added to that with the new signings there is pressure to do well.

"I want to get out there and do everything I can. I am so hungry for this."

Objectives

Mifsud has promised to do all he can to help fire Barnsley to safety by scoring goals on a regular basis, after a frustrating last few months at Coventry.

"For me there are two objectives - I want to keep Barnsley in the Championship and I want to show people that I can score goals like I did last season," added Mifsud.

"I can promise the fans that I will give absolutely everything I can to help fight them back up the table."

The Malta international has quickly settled into his new surroundings and he is excited about the move to Oakwell.

"Everybody involved did an amazing job and I believe this was a great move for me to make," noted Mifsud.

"I was impressed with the manager who promised to play me up front again and everybody at Barnsley, from the directors to the fans, were so friendly and welcoming.

"The training facilities are also great. Added to that, Barnsley play good, passing football which suits my style and I know some of the players at the club and that was an incentive [in moving] as well."
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Ian Wilkinson at 18:38:00 0
Barnsley new boy Daniel Bogdanovic has already declared that he would like to stay at the club beyond his current deal.

The Maltese striker has signed on until 2010 but he has already stated he would be happy to extend that after settling in so well to life at Oakwell.

He told the Yorkshire Post: "First of all I see people inside the club and outside the club and there is only one word, simply fantastic. About the club and everything I am very happy I am here and I am looking forward to the next game and to stay here as long as possible.

"I have signed here until 2010 but if people ask me like now 'would you like to extend it?' I would do it with my eyes closed".
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Ian Wilkinson at 18:34:00 0
Speaking to Barnsley FC's official site, Reds manager Simon Davey does not expect to have striker Iain Hume back in contention for a place in the team this season.

Simon said: "Iain has had his scan although I am still to sit down with him and talk things through. The scan showed that he is still two or three months away from everything healing properly although he has been given the go ahead to step up his rehab work.

"There is still a bit of a mental block there as well when it comes to contact work and it will still be a long road back for him. Iain is training with us a little and has done again this morning. It is doubtful whether we will see him again this season and Iain will probably say the same. However, he is where he should be on his road to recovery".
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Ian Wilkinson at 10:26:00 0

The latest episode of the 'Coca-Cola' Football League podcasts is available to download now.

BBC Radio 5 Live's Mark Clemmit is joined by Swansea City midfielder Kristian O'Leary who reflects on the changing times at Swansea City, from being an apprentice at Vetch Field to life as part of a Coca-Cola Championship squad at the Liberty Stadium.

Dean Windass talks about re-inventing himself as a goalkeeper after his stint between the sticks for Oldham Athletic at the weekend, while former Derby County player Bobby Davison links up with the show from Hungary to explain how he his managerial career has taken him to Ferencváros.

All this as well as itv.com's Spencer Austin who explains why he is 'The Glory Hunter' and provides an insight into how he has found himself as a regular at the Don Valley Stadium - for the time being at least.

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

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 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 20:05:00 0
As reported in the Daily Mirror, Rotherham manager Mark Robins has been given funds for a £150,000 move for Barnsley striker Kayode Odejayi.

Whether this is an engineered Permanent transfer, pre-agreed with cash-now-for-services, the news is still unclear.

Personally, I would hope that some form of limited loan arrangement can be agreed - just to get the guy back playing. As a lad short on confidence, I'm certain that his next move will be successful. For a change, I would prefer us to be the benefactors on this occasion!
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Ian Wilkinson at 19:56:00 0
In a candid interview, during our run-up to next Tuesday's Hillsborough fixture, Ronnie Glavin speaks passionately about just-what-it-takes to makes a difference in a South Yorkshire Derby...

Speaking exclusively to the club's official site, Ponty End "God", Ronnie Glavin remembered: "I was disappointed to be left on the bench for the game at Hillsborough. I loved playing there and had always really, really enjoyed the games in Sheffield.

"I had had a little injury a couple of weeks before and I was still finding my way back. I was still very, very disappointed to be left out. We had been a thorn in the Sheffield club's side for a couple of years and they were always some of my favourite games to play in. They are big games. I was disappointed sitting in the dug out but I was a senior professional then and I knew I had to stay focussed. I was desperate to get on.

"All the way through the second I half I was sat there shouting 'Isn't it about time Glavin went on?' but Norman (Hunter) just kept telling me to bide my time. Eventually I got the chance to come on and I knew what I had to do to make an impact in games. I wanted to make things happen and that game was set up for me and Wednesday gave me a lot of room to play. Within five minutes of being on the pitch I had one saved and then had a header tipped over from the corner that followed. I could have had two already and felt really on song.

"Five minutes later the opportunity came my way after the Sheffield Wednesday defence opened up and could not catch me. I hit it well and the keeper never got anywhere near it".

He added: "We had a great team back then. We went to places like Hillsborough, Bramall Lane, Leeds United, Fulham, Newcastle, Chelsea, Bolton and Blackburn and won matches. Those are tough places to go and play but we were very, very good away from home and had a great rapport with the travelling fans.

"I do not know why the team has not won a league game at Hillsborough since then but derby matches are all about passion, desire and commitment. The form book goes right out of the window in these matches and you have to have that commitment if you are going to get anything.

"Back then Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United were terrified of us and we really looked forward to going there. We were a real handful for them and we loved that".

Ronnie Glavin moved to Barnsley from Celtic in 1979 and went on to make 198 first team appearances, netting 92, goals in a five year spell with the Club. He left in 1984 to join Portuguese side Belenenses but returned to Oakwell a year later, adding another seven games to his Barnsley tally.
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Ian Wilkinson at 19:52:00 0
Michael Coulson will return to Oakwell in a fortnight to start rehabilitation on his knee following surgery to repair cruciate ligament damage.

The Reds' striker has suffered from the injury twice. The first time he injured the ligament was in April last year and fought his way back to make three first-team appearances off the bench before suffering a similar injury to the same knee in another training ground incident last month.

Coulson told the club's official website: "My knee is still a bit sore and swollen and I now have to take it easy for the first fortnight.

"The first two weeks is always the worst because all I want to do is get back to the club and start my rehab work.

"I have to wait for the swelling to go down and it is all about rest, icing my knee and trying to get a little bit of movement back. The surgeon told me that the operation when very, very well and they managed to get a good new graft in there. I am sick of hospitals though.

"I know I'm in for a long road back but I have done it before and I know what is coming. I cannot wait to get back to the club and start again."
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Ian Wilkinson at 18:49:00 0
The South Yorkshire Derby between Sheffield United and Barnsley at Bramall Lane has been re-set for Tuesday, 24th February 2009.

The original fixture was due to take place this Saturday, 14th February but the fixture was put on hold owing to the Blades involvement in the FA Cup.

As for Barnsley, this is one of three matches that have had to be re-arranged in recent weeks with their clash with Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough and their home game against Crystal Palace both falling foul of the recent bad weather.
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Ian Wilkinson at 13:24:00 0
Yorkshire Evening Post, 8 February 2009

Simon Davey's capture of Adam Hammill might just prove his shrewdest acquisition yet – the youngster desperate to impress and ultimately fulfil his boyhood Liverpool dream.

Highly-rated Hammill, 21, joined Liverpool's youth set up when he was just seven years old and 14 years later he remains one of Anfield's brightest long-term prospects.

The winger recently signed a new deal at Anfield until 2011 but, stuck behind the likes of Dirk Kuyt, Albert Riera and Yossi Benayoun, the youngster has now joined Barnsley for his fourth spell on loan.

Already Hammill has thrived from stints at Dunfermline, Southampton and most recently Blackpool, the Tykes sealing the signature of a footballer who says he is improving all the time.

Hammill's motivation will also never be questioned – the born and bred Liverpool fan is determined to impress watchers at Anfield and one day fulfil his ultimate dream.

"Personally I am looking to help Barnsley and force them up the table where they deserve to be," Hammill told Yorkshire Sport.

"On a personal level I want to impress the fans, the manager and also the staff at Liverpool who will be watching me.

"I want to show them what I can do and hopefully I can push on from there.

"I signed a three-year deal there in the summer so hopefully I am able to see that out and earn a new one if I perform well each year.

"It's a gradual process, I know that, but it's another step up the ladder for me at Barnsley and it's a step in the right direction as far as I'm concerned.

"If I do well here I can always go back in the summer but you never know in football, it all changes every day but when I go back if I have done well maybe I will be rewarded with a first-team call."

Hammill, who can play on the right wing but preferably the left, was part of a triple raid by boss Davey who also brought in striker Michael Mifsud and defensive midfielder Andranik Teymourian.

Arguably the most exciting capture, Hammill is delighted with his first impressions of Oakwell.

"I am really impressed with the facilities, the manager has been great to me and also the players," said Hammill.

"I am really looking forward to pulling on a Barnsley shirt and playing every week.

If it starts off really well hopefully I can go upwards from there."

Hammill is yet to make the substitute's bench for his beloved Liverpool but the hot prospect was a key part of the Reds team that defeated Manchester City in the 2006 FA Youth Cup final.

Through his loan spells, the Liverpudlian also brings with him a healthy amount of Championship experience through 23 appearances for Blackpool and 28 for Southampton.

Hammill is not one to sulk at being sent out on loan, quite the opposite, the Scouser relishing his next challenge and stressing he has benefited enormously from his previous spells.

"I have enjoyed them all," said Hammill.

"They were all different and that has helped my game as I have had to add different bits.

"At Southampton it was all about playing football, getting your foot on the ball and expressing yourself whereas at Blackpool it was a different side to the game, more the second ball, playing when you can and learning to defend as well.

"All of them have helped me to lift my game up and develop me and this is another step up the ladder."

Hammill ultimately dreams of reaching the top of that ladder and pulling on the famous red shirt for the club he has supported since he was a boy.

Barnsley's new loan star admits the calibre of players in front of him is making his task incredibly hard at Anfield but Hammill still holds high hopes of one day making the grade.

"There are a few wingers who are ahead of me but if you've got the class you get there eventually," said a confident Hammill, capped at England under-19s level.

"It's about plugging away and working hard, it's a long process and as a young lad you need a lot of experience as it can be tough if you are thrown in the deep end.

"I think by going on loan you get the experience for when you do get in and it looks good on your CV – you give yourself a chance.

"I've got a few years left on my contract and if I do well here which I have got no doubts I will, then it will put me in good stead for when I go back in the summer.

"For me, I am a Liverpool fan so if I was to step up into the first team it would be a dream come true.

"I have supported Liverpool ever since I was younger and my dad used to take me on the Kop.
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Ian Wilkinson at 18:36:00 0
Crystal Palace's trip to Oakwell to face Barnsley in the Championship has fallen foul of the weather and has been cancelled.

Although the Referee declared the pitch as playable, there were still concerns for the safety of spectators around the Stadium.

A statement on behalf of the club read:

'Barnsley Football Club are disappointed that, after a lot of hard work by the groundstaff, although the pitch has been deemed playable by the match referee, an inspection by the Safety Advisory Group both inside and outside the ground has prompted them to make a decision to postpone the match.

'The areas were dangerous due to the amount of snow and ice. With temperatures expected to reach minus four/five on Friday evening the situation would not get any better overnight.'

No new date has been found for the clash.
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Ian Wilkinson at 18:35:00 0
Sheffield Wednesday have confirmed that their club's Championship home game with Barnsley has been rescheduled for Tuesday February 17 (7.45pm).

The original fixture was due to take place on February 3 but was postponed due to adverse weather conditions.
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Ian Wilkinson at 23:53:00 0
With the latest acquisitions of Adam Hammill, Andranik Teymourian and Michael Misfud, joining Maceo Rigters within the Reds' loan ranks - does this reflect any change in Barnsley's transfer policy or budget?

Speaking to the Yorkshire Post, Barnsley Owner - Patrick Cryne has recently commented on the issue of transfers.

"We are seeing the evidence of the credit crunch, where, particularly in the Championship, clubs are looking to lower their wage bill," he said.

Cryne believes that for clubs like Barnsley – who operate with smaller squads – opportunities are limited. "Clubs have to be very clear on what they are looking for," added Cryne.

"I think we had very clear objectives and we are happy with the signings we made."

In early January, in an interview with the YEP, his comments seem to contradict our resulting deadline day strategy.

Cryne revealed that the aim would be to snap up a striker on a permanent basis and not just on a loan deal.

"That's what you need, you need to find someone who is committed to your cause," said the owner.

"Not that loaned players aren't – they are committed because they are making careers for themselves – but you need to build with people on your books who are not going to leave you at the end of the year." Cryne stated.

Let me be clear on my thread here. Personally, I am delighted that we have been able to bring in much needed quality in the correct positions. IF our form responds accordingly, this will be proven to have been a shrewd policy in an unusual transfer window. My concerns lay more with the reverse view.

If our backs remain against the wall over the next 4-6 weeks and we find ourselves in that bottom five - with no clear distance between our position and the trap-door, will this group step-up-to-the-plate and deliver safety for the Reds, the town, its owners and its fans?

The rumour-mill is already grinding out further (un-qualified) hints that Barnsley are set to bring in one further player on loan. Julian Gray (at Fulham) and Andy van der Meyde (at Everton) are names that have cropped up. It's easy to understand why any such agreement would be attractive.

Anyone that can add to the cause is welcome at Oakwell. On their day, the best eleven will be starting the match on merit. Their legacy and Barnsley's dreams rest on what they all deliver over 90 minutes - week in, week out.

In a tough climate, can our "Loan Society" deliver massive dividends by 3rd May? I hope so.
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Ian Wilkinson at 18:47:00 0
There will be a pitch and stadium inspection at Oakwell at 11am on Friday morning to assess whether or not Saturday's Championship fixture will take place.

Although Oakwell is fitted with under soil heating there are reservations about the state of the stadium which, with the recent inclement weather conditions, could be unfit for use by Saturday.
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Ian Wilkinson at 00:40:00 0
Simon Davey hopes his three deadline day signings will spark an upturn in the Reds' fortunes, starting at Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday.

Michael Mifsud, Andranik Teymourian and Adam Hammill have all signed on loan at Oakwell until the summer.

"It has been a frustrating month and on Saturday it was disappointing to look at the bench and see that we did not have many options to change the game. We now have those options," said Davey.

"It would be massive to win at Sheffield Wednesday. It would be massive for the fans to go there and win because the last month has not been acceptable.

"We have to make sure it stops and what better place to do it?"
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Ian Wilkinson at 12:43:00 0
Barnsley have signed striker Michael Mifsud, midfielder Andranik Teymourian and winger Adam Hammill.

Mifsud arrives on a loan deal until the end of the season from Coventry City. Barnsley were unable to complete a permanent move in time for the closure of the transfer window.

Mifsud told Barnsley's official website, "I must say that the signing of Daniel Bogdanovic was influential, a very clever ploy indeed. I look forward to playing with my Malta strike partner and getting the chance to play with Heinz again. I was close to signing a permanent deal, but I just needed more time to think it through and time was in short supply. I can't wait to get playing and help the team move forward."

Winger Hammill joins from Premiership giants Liverpool, also on loan until the end of the season. A product of the Liverpool academy, he has enjoyed spells on loan with SPL side Dunfermline and Championship teams Blackpool and Southampton.

Teymourian also arrives on loan until the end of the season. The 25-year old Iranian international joined Fulham on a free transfer in the summer of 2008 from Bolton.
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Ian Wilkinson at 10:54:00 0
It's Sunday morning. The temperature outside is freezing. Everywhere you turn both the press and forums are generally negative. Or at least this is how you might see it if you support the Reds and live in Tarn.

I know it might seem a bit "leftfield" at this stage when I mention that I never joined the Cubs or Scouts. Well - it just wasn't the thing you did when you hung around with my mates. So tying knots and possibly, using this as a reference, creating a noose and dangling from a tree is something I lack any skill in whatsoever.

After a series winless games both Home and Away, fans have probably reached that period in the season where we either have an epiphany on Tuesday night, or the tiny fractures will become a chasm.

Going back only a few months, on the field, we were sharper, more skilful, adventurous in our play, antagonistic in our support and incidentally, one goal better off than Wednesday in the end. Have things really changed since then?

Personally, I don't think so. A change in fortune has been linked with injuries, changing personnel and in some cases a lack of form. Barnsley FC is still a great club, with great support (particularly at grounds like Hillsborough. The next fixture will not stave off any threat of relegation on its own, but will mix the mortar that will fix the unifying "wall of faith" we all need between now and Sunday 3rd May.

Okay, I am harping back. Since the late 1950's when foreign workers were "allowed" in to the pits, Barnsley has demonstrated that not only could these people work alongside the existing men, but that they also became a force within those teams - at a time when many British workers preferred instead to work in seemingly better paid positions in better conditions. Sound familiar?

And what of Simon Davey? How could a bloke from South Wales ever understand the aspirations of a community which was decimated by the demise of its main industry?

Maybe none of this matters when you're under 21, but be advised if you are - it's why your friends and family have grown up with many of their attitudes towards life. Our shared history has made us this way.

It's time to pull together and face the facts. We have enough resources to get through this decline in fortunes, but can only do it together. That starts with Barnsley FC getting it's house in order on the field of play with every player being reminded of exactly what it means to wear the (Barnsley Blood) Red shirt. From the terraces, we have to be ferocious in our support and unstinting in our demands for more heart.

After all, We Are Barnsley!
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Ian Wilkinson at 10:15:00 0
Media sources in South Yorkshire and BBC Coventry & Warwickshire are reporting that Coventry City's Michael Mifsud allegedly asked Barnsley for wages of £20,000 a week.

However, the Times of Malta claim that Michael Mifsud is weighing up an offer to join Barnsley before tomorrow's transfer window deadline.

Mifsud has been persistently linked with a move away from Coventry City as the latter are known to be willing to cash in on the nippy Malta striker rather than risk losing him for nothing when his existing contract expires at the end of the season.

Mifsud was not in the Coventry squad for yesterday's match against Derby. He reportedly travelled up north on Friday to hold talks with Barnsley after the latter stepped up their pursuit for the former Lillestrom forward.

It is believed that Mifsud's agent has secured a very attractive deal for the player with Barnsley but the 27-year-old has asked to be given more time to consider his options.

Reports in England yesterday morning suggested that Mifsud's proposed transfer to Barnsley had fallen through but the move appears to be currently on hold at Mifsud's request.

Barnsley's bid, believed to be around 300,000 pounds, has been accepted by Coventry.

Barnsley's manager Simon Davey is believed to have made a big impression on the Mifsud team with his willingness to play last season's leading Coventry striker in his favoured position.

Last week, Barnsley signed Daniel Bogdanovic from Lokomotiv Sofia for an undisclosed fee and if their overtures for Mifsud prove successful, they are likely to pin their scoring hopes on an all-Maltese forward line in their quest to retain their Championship status.

Although Barnsley are now widely seen to be in pole position to sign Mifsud, Sheffield United are said to be considering a last-minute swoop for the Coventry stalwart while a host of other clubs, including some outside the UK, are also monitoring the situation.
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Ian Wilkinson at 10:13:00 0
Yorkshire Post, 31 January 2009

Barnsley manager Simon Davey bemoaned his side's defending as they slipped to a fifth successive defeat in the Championship.

The Tykes looked good value for a possible point as they frustrated the home side well into the second half, but they eventually lost 2-0.

"We had a lot of the play in the game and we had them under pressure and created some decent chances," he said.

"We had a lot of posession and we can take some positives out of the game but we switched off at key times and it cost us.

"After their opening goal we had chances to level the game but their goalkeeper pulled off two world class saves and then we were unlucky with their second."

Gavin Williams came off the bench to score the opener, latching onto a Cole Skuse through-ball and lifting his effort past Reds goalkeeper Heinz Muller.

And the points were made safe when former Barnsley winger Michael McIndoe struck from 18 yards after good work by Peter Styvar.

The goals came against the run of play somewhat with Barnsley dominating possession but lacking the required killer instinct to find the back of the net.

Bobby Hassell did go close for the Reds with a 20-yard piledriver which hit the crossbar, but it was too little for the visitors who have now lost four league games on the bounce and continue their spiral towards the relegation zone.

The Robins, meanwhile have won two on the spin and will hope this can act as a springboard for a top-six push.

It was the Reds who were first to threaten when Jon Macken found himself free in the area but his header was easily saved by Adrian Basso.

The visitors broke well moments later and Martin Devaney almost created an opening on goal after a mazy run, only for the former Cheltenham man to lose his footing in the area.

Bristol City finally had a shot on goal in the 20th minute through John. The Trinidad and Tobago striker swivelled on the edge of the area but he seemed to lose his footing and he fluffed a shot over the bar.

At the other end, Macken tested Basso with a low shot which the Brazilian easily smothered at the near post.

The hosts should have taken the lead moments later, however, when John was released though one on one with Heinz Muller, who stood tall and blocked the goal-bound effort.

Out of the two sides Barnsley looked the most likely to score as the half approached with first Odejayi drilling a shot wide and then strike partner Macken heading straight at Basso from close range.

After a quiet start to the second half the game came to life in the 55th minute when Bradley Orr was denied by the woodwork.

The City defender made his way up from full-back to strike a shot from the edge of the area which cannoned back off the crossbar.

The ball then fell kindly to Jamal Campbell-Ryce who started a swift counter attack which resulted in the Jamaica international testing Basso with a low shot.

Barnsley continued to dominate possession but they were caught by the sucker punch when Williams broke the deadlock in the 64th minute.

Williams was introduced in place of the injured Ivan Sproule and he made a quick impact, latching onto a Skuse through ball before lifting his shot into the top corner.

Barnsley almost responded immediately when Hassell lashed a shot against the crossbar from 20 yards.

But McIndoe secured the three points with a 79th-minute strike which sailed into the top corner.
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