January 2009
Michael Mifsud's proposed transfer to Barnsley appears to have failed. Coventry City are thought to have accepted a bid, believed to be around £300,000, from Barnsley. The collapse of the transfer is blamed on Mifsud failing to agree personal terms.

Mifsud has been on the transfer list since the start of the current season. Coventry City have, in the past, accepted bids for the Maltese striker, only to see the transfer flounder because of Mifsud's failure to agree personal terms.

His contract expires this summer and can leave the club for free.
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According the the Chron' Davey was last night bidding to strike late – and bring one more new forward in through what he describes as the ‘worst transfer window’. It appears the Reds boss has suddenly acquired a taste for Maltesers! Having captured Daniel Bogdanovic for an undisclosed fee on Tuesday, fellow Maltese international forward Michael Mifsud, from Championship rivals Coventry, is now on Davey’s radar, for a possible £300,000.

As revealed by skysports.com earlier this week Barnsley have tabled a bid for the Malta international.

Skysports.com understands Coventry have accepted Barnsley's offer and it is now up to the player to decide if he wants to move to Oakwell.

Barnsley assistant manager Ryan Kidd is hopeful they can persuade Mifsud to join the club before the close of the transfer window.

Barnsley have made a six-figure bid for Coventry City striker Michael Mifsud, BBC Radio Sheffield understands.

"We'd love to have Michael Mifsud at Barnsley or anybody of that quality and we're working hard to do that," said Kidd.

"Anybody that scores that many in the Championship we'd love to bring in."
The Football League is teaming up with Soccer AM to give viewers the chance to vote for their choice of the best Football League goal of 2008.

The scorer of the winning goal will be presented with the Mitre Goal of the Year Award at the 2009 Football League Awards.


Soccer AM will be revealing the contenders on the show this Saturday, and asking viewers to vote for their favourite goal. Viewers who vote will also have the chance to win a pair of tickets to the ceremony, taking place at the prestigious Grosvenor House on Park Lane on Sunday 29th March 2009. Awards will be presented to winners across 20 categories.

To find out more about The Football League Awards please visit www.footballleagueawards.com.
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Barnsley have made a bid for Coventry striker Michael Mifsud, skysports.com understands.

Mifsud's future at Coventry has been the subject of intense speculation for some time with the player out of contract in the summer.

A number of clubs are thought to have expressed an interest in the Malta international with Coventry preferring to cash-in on him rather than risk losing him for nothing in the summer.

Barnsley are believed to have tabled a bid in the region of £300,000 as they look to tempt Coventry into doing business before the close of the transfer window.

Tykes boss Simon Davey is keen to bolster his attack as he looks to secure their safety in the Championship and he is hoping to team up Mifsud with his international team-mate Daniel Bogdanovic who moved to Oakwell earlier this week.
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Sheffield Star, 29 January 2009

A quick-fire brace from former Blades striker Jon Stead gave Ipswich a comfortable win at Oakwell.

It was the away team's second successive Coca-Cola Championship away win.

Stead, recalled to the starting line-up, side-footed home a Kevin Lisbie cross in the eighth minute before pouncing on a defensive error moments later by Dennis Souza to double Town's lead from close range.

The Brazilian centre-back took too long to clear the ball allowing Stead to nip in and bundle the ball into the net from six yards.

In truth the advantage could have been more as the play-off chasing side overran the out-of-form Tykes from the outset.

Barnsley started the second half like a new team with the opening they wanted – as new signing Daniel Bogdanovic, granted international clearance to play, pulled one back in the opening minutes.

But it was to prove only a consolation goal for Simon Davey's men, who welcomed back Martin Devaney to the starting XI after a two-month spell on the sidelines due to an ankle injury.
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For all the negative "sooth-sayers" out there, they still have a shout; and deservedly so, on tonights performance.

However, one mistake that Davey has not made is in his selection and signing of Maltese Striker, Daniel Bogdanovic. My new Barnsley Hero! With a debutant goal and an attitude which should gratify the Barnsley faithful, I hope we all make him a firm-favourite and talisman for the seeemingly tough fixtures ahead.

To the performances themself; where do you start?

Four minutes of absolute jepordy, leading to 0-2; Barnsley were sickening. The spine of the team appeared to be "out-of-sync", within an "on paper" attacking midfield, our maestro "JCR" appeared to be too central and outside of his own very-capable influence. Unassisted by Anderson, who was hot and then cold, then cooler, then freezing and maybe got himself to being slightly defrosted on 90 minutes.

For me, Souza has had his most disappointing game at Oakwell. He looked leg-weary, breathless and was generally inaccurate in his measure and control of the opposition this evening. This isn't the character we know and I wonder if this is influenced by the absence of "Fozzy".

I began by praising Bogdanovic, as a shining light for the cause. It would be almost too tempting to begin the demolition of his team mates. However, Macken (his partner tonight) has got a creative edge to his game. On occasions he did demonstrate this tonight. Danny doesn't understand this yet and when Jonny played provider, there were a notable number of situations where Bogdanovic appeared to be off the pace.

Back on a brighter note:

  • The new lad is athletic, demonstrably passionate and he knows where the onion bag is. Definitely!
  • To his team mates, he is an unfamiliar comodity.

Regarding any remaining squad members who have not been mentioned, perhaps they just didn't strike me as news-worthy. However, one champion of mine, Bobby Hassell has had another great 90 minutes for the Reds tonight. He works, he tracks, he passes, he shoots..... and appears to care..!! Bogdanavic will learn and share a lot with "the Bobster" - I hope.

Open the wine Danny and share a glass with Bobby!
Barnsley have signed striker Daniel Bogdanovic from Lokomotiv Sofia. The Malta international arrives at Oakwell for an undisclosed fee as Reds boss Simon Davey looks to bolster his attacking options.

The 28-year-old had a trial spell at Watford in 2007, but a move to Vicarage Road failed to materialise.

However, Davey has moved to lure the former Maltese Player of the Year to Barnsley on a two-and-a-half year deal, although he may have to wait for his debut.

(OTPE Comment: Could this be a lever to bring Mifsud to Barnsley from Coventry??)

Published on the club's site today, Bogdanovic spoke about his desire to join Barnsley and play in England, "This is a great Club with a great dressing room and everybody has been very welcoming to me. I came here training last week and really enjoyed my time with the team. I have always wanted to come and play in England. I have been a little frustrated in Bulgaria because, although the Club was fantastic, the country is not very good to live in. We played in the UEFA Cup this year but the life in Bulgaria is not too great.

"I was looking for a change and I had offers from a number of Italian clubs but my dream has always been to come and play in England. I had played in Italy before and spent eight months there with Cisco Roma. I played with Paulo Di Canio there and it was a nice experience.I have always wanted to come and play in England".

He added: "Paulo told me all about the English game. There was a time when he was going to come back over as a manager and he advised me a lot about it. I am quite excited about my first game over here.

"I am a goalscorer not a target man. I like to play football - I was born with a gift and that is to put the ball in the net. That is the most important thing.

"I know Michael Mifsud well and we have played a lot together for the Malta national team. It is something nice for the Maltese people to have some of their players at the highest level. I have 25 caps for Malta and it is always very nice to play for your country even though I am not originally from there. It makes me very proud.

"I want to come here, do my best and score a lot of goals. I want to win something for Barnsley".
Times of Malta.com, 25 January 2009

Lokomotiv Sofia striker Daniel Bogdanovic has edged closer to securing a move to English football after his Bulgarian club reportedly agreed a transfer fee for the Malta international with an unnamed British team.

The Times yesterday reported that Barnsley were in pole position to sign Bogdanovic and sources said the Championship side have all but concluded talks with Lokomotiv Sofia to sign the 28-year-old.

Bogdanovic, who joined Lokomotiv last summer after a spell with Italian Serie C2 club Cisco Roma, was granted permission to leave his team's winter training camp in Varna last week and travel to England for transfer discussions with his suitors.

A few years back, Bogdanovic was on the verge of a move to Crystal Palace after a successful trial but the latter called the deal off at the last minute.

Attempts to contact Bogdanovic yesterday evening were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, Michael Mifsud continues to be linked with a move away from Coventry City. The Malta striker played the full 90 minutes for the Sky Blues in yesterday's 1-0 win away to Torquay in the FA Cup.

Coventry City manager Chris Coleman told the Coventry Telegraph: "There has been talk with other clubs for Michael and we agreed a fee with one but he couldn't agree personal terms.

"He still wants to leave the club and we haven't got a problem with that but if he does go it will be for a proper price."

Insiders have told The Times that two unnamed clubs have submitted offers for Mifsud but no agreement has been reached yet. Mifsud's contract with Coventry runs out at the end of the season.
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Daniel Bogdanovic could be on the move again in the next few days as English club Barnsley are reportedly keen on acquiring his services.

Sources have told The Times that Bogdanovic was given permission to leave Lokomotiv Sofia's training camp in Varna this week after Barnsley, who play in the Championship, had expressed an interest in the Malta winger-cum-forward.

It looks like Bogdanovic had been on Barnsley's radar for quite some time as the latter have already indicated their willingness to sign the 28-year-old striker on a long-term deal.

Bogdanovic has 18 months remaining on his contract with Lokomotiv Sofia but this has not deterred Barnsley from pursuing their interest in the player. Their approach may also have been prompted by news that striker Michael Coulson is out for the rest of the season with a serious knee injury.

Lokomotiv, who have former Valletta and Sliema forward Danilo Doncic in their coaching team, are currently giving a trial to an Argentine striker who is likely to be offered a contract if Bogdanovic leaves.

Were Bogdanovic to complete his switch to Barnsley, he would become the third Maltese player to join a club in the Championship.

Michael Mifsud is now in the final months of his two-and-a-half year contract with Coventry City and goalkeeper Justin Haber is on the books of Sheffield United.

Times of Malta, 24 January 2009

See Bogdanovic in action here

Wikipedia Information here
As speculation continues this week, Barnsley are hoping to fend off interest from several clubs during the January transfer window for key player Jamal Campbell-Ryce.

The Jamaican international signed a new three-year deal to stay with the club until 2011 back in October but he has attracted the attention of some big clubs with his displays this season.

"I hope Jamal will be with us for a long, long time, I don't want to sell him," revealed Davey.

"But football is a business and usually most players have a price, sometimes it's hard to hold on to players. You look at Kaka and maybe there's a price for him to go with Manchester City offering so much, or maybe Ronaldo would leave Manchester United for the right price?

"Who knows whether there's a right price for Jamal to leave Barnsley?

Previous articles on this site have recognised JCR's stock. The Reds have already rejected two bids, which they claim were seven figures.
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Barnsley forward Iain Hume, who suffered a fractured skull in November, is back in training. The Canadian forward is taking part in the fitness side of the sessions and is working closely with the club's physio and fitness coach in bid to rebuild his career.

According to ITV.com Hume is hoping to receive the all-clear from specialists to resume full training when he has a CT scan next week.
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According to the Chronicle, this Friday, Barnsley boss Simon Davey has been scouring Europe and South America for talent. He looks set to head once more down the foreign route and finally land a new signing and ease the growing frustration of the fans.

Davey, who missed out on the signing of Chesterfield striker Jamie Ward, is hoping to bolster his squad before the midweek clash with Ipswich.

He is again looking at as yet un-named overseas stars on trial, one of them a striker, with a view to a possible move.
Episode 19:

Mark Clemmit is at Victoria Park for this week's show and is joined by Hartlepool United's Chris Turner and Crystal Palace's Neil Warnock as the Managers make for an entertaining show.

Hartlepool caretaker boss Turner reflects on his second spell as Manager of Pool and pulling off a famous cup upset against Stoke while Crystal Palace boss Warnock joins the show as the trio discuss all things football.

Aswell as all that dedicated Gillingham fan Peter Lloyd explains how he saved the day when Curtis Weston forgot his boots.

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.

Click here to listen to the latest episode in full now
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Barnsley striker Michael Coulson will miss the rest of the season after damaging his cruciate ligament for the second time in less than a year.

Coulson originally suffered a knee injury in April before making his first-team comeback for the Tykes in late November.

However, he has now hurt his knee in training again and will play no further part in Barnsley's bid to stay in the Championship.

"We had some very, very bad news last week regarding Michael's knee injury," physio Matt Konapinski told the club's official website.

"He was involved in a training ground collision and unfortunately he has had a recurrence of the cruciate ligament injury he had last year.

"It is really bad news and heartbreaking for Michael, but he will now be working hard over the next few months and through the summer to get back fit for the start of next season."

The 21-year-old had made three appearances for Barnsley this season - the last of which was as a substitute in the FA Cup at West Ham United earlier this month.
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Wes Hoolahan grabbed his first goal for Norwich as caretaker manager Bryan Gunn steered the Canaries to a vital Coca-Cola Championship win over Barnsley.

Hoolahan skipped around Tykes goalkeeper Heinz Muller to net for the first time since moving from Blackpool last summer and lift the gloom at Carrow Road before Jamie Cureton capped his return with the second goal.

Sammy Clingan's late penalty and a stoppage-time strike from Darel Russell applied some gloss to a thoroughly deserved win.

Unhappy Barnsley manager Simon Davey said: "It was always going to be difficult to come here this week but that does not excuse our second half performance. That was unacceptable and it is not something we are used to. We paid the price for some poor defending and it was a shambles.

"There are no excuses and all those goals could have been avoided. We had a decent first half and had some chances but 45 minutes like that is unacceptable. It was surprising to capitulate like that and it is the first time it has happened this season. We will have to look at that and that starts on Monday morning."

Norwich sacked Glenn Roeder this week after slumping to fourth from bottom in the Championship table and losing to Charlton in the FA Cup.

Former goalkeeper Gunn was handed the reins on a temporary basis and he handed a recall to Cureton.

Cureton was set for a weekend off as his loan spell at Oakwell rendered him unavailable to face the Canaries.

However, the 33-year-old was recalled within hours of the sacking of Roeder on Wednesday and he scored the decisive second to sink the players he had called team-mates since November.

Cureton had the first sight of goal when he flashed a header wide from Lee Croft's cross before Russell also came close.

Hoolahan broke clear down the left and cut the ball back perfectly for Russell to drill low and hard and only a superb block from Dennis Souza prevented him from chalking up the opener.

Gary Doherty then headed over from six yards when he rose highest to meet Clingan's corner before Hoolahan went close.

A flowing move saw Russell tee the winger up on the edge of the area and he flashed in a low shot which Tykes goalkeeper Heinz Muller gathered at the second attempt.

Russell then saw another powerful effort fail to hit the target as the half drew to a close.

Gunn's charges continued to press at the start of the second half and were rewarded when Hoolahan broke the deadlock in the 55th minute.

The impressive Russell was again the architect as he played the winger in on goal. Hoolahan had lots to do but rounded Muller and buried the ball from a tight angle.

Hoolahan then fizzed another effort into the side-netting as the Canaries pushed for a killer second goal with Cureton the next to test Muller with a curling effort from 20 yards.

Cureton then did get on the scoresheet in the 74th minute as he capitalised on a moment to forget by Darren Moore.

The veteran centre-half tried to shepherd a long ball forward back to Muller but Cureton was able to nip in and steal the ball. The striker showed great composure to run in and clip the ball past Muller for his first goal in a Norwich shirt.

Gunn replaced both goalscorers and one replacement, Matty Pattison, was involved in the third goal.

He was felled in the area by Marciano Van Homoet and Clingan sent Muller the wrong way.

There was still time for Russell to grab a deserved goal in the last minute.

Another sub David Bell was involved and he picked out Russell with a cross from the right and he guided a header past Muller to seal a crucial three points.

Yorkshire Post, 18 January 2008
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Barnsley boss Simon Davey has revealed he is considering a new offer to sell winger Jamal Campbell-Ryce - with the bid amounting to £1,000,000. The Welshman has already turned down two offers for the sought-after winger, but is believed to be considering a new seven-figure bid.

It is believed fellow Championship club Reading are the front-runners to sign the winger or midfielder, although another club are also rumoured to be keen to secure the player's signature.

Campbell-Ryce signed for the Reds in August 2007 from League One side Southend United for £175,000.

Following a string of impressive performances last season, he was rewarded with a new deal to stay at Oakwell.

The 25-year-old Jamaican international put pen to paper in October last year and signed a new three-year deal to stay with the club until 2011.

But the possibility of selling the player on for more than five times what he paid for him may prove to be too tempting for Davey.

"When you get bids of this size, it's a big temptation. Sometimes you have to deal with losing players," said Davey.

"I hope he stays but I have to be realistic and there's a chance he may leave."

The former Charlton Athletic and Rotherham United player has scored five goals this season.

He was initially on loan in this area at Chesterfield in 2004 before joining Rotherham permanently whom he left for Southend in a drawn out and controversial transfer which saw him prevented from playing for several months.

The Star, 17th January 2009
Episode 18

In one of the busiest 'Coca-Cola' Football League podcasts so far Clem is joined by no less than six guests.

Moritz Volz kicks-off proceedings by discussing his decision to swap city life for a year in the country with Ipswich Town and admits to his new found passion for cream teas.

Volz' former Fulham team mate and Huddersfield Town boss Lee Clark talks about his new role on the other side of the touch line.

Powerade Players of the Month, Reading's Stephen Hunt, Leicester City striker Matty Fryatt and Brentford's Marcus Bean reflect on their respective awards and Stockport County fan and English darts player Tony O'Shea completes the show with an explanation as to how he inherited his nickname.

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.
Courtesy of OnthePontyEnd's friends at Football Anorak, this is the latest ' Yorkshire Form League' table, based on the last 10 games; the maximum period that can be set.

The last release was on the 26th November 2008, when the Reds were riding in second place, just behind Sheffield United. The latest table just goes to show you how our recent January form (including the FA Cup fixture) can have such a massive effect on our standings since then.


With Glenn Roeder sacked by Norwich City and Cureton recalled today, Barnsley have to be concerned about who is over their shoulder. Form favours Donny at the moment. Forest have been making strides recently too. This next fixture (away) could be a real six-pointer in many respects.

Let's hope that, any changes occuring at Norwich, do not suddenly spark life in to their season. At least, not this weekend.
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As reported today on Norwich City's Official site

Norwich City have today recalled striker Jamie Cureton from Barnsley. The 33 year-old joined the Tykes on loan in late November on a three-month deal.

Jamie picked up City's golden boot last season after scoring 14 goals in all competitions. However, he failed to find the back of the net in the new term making just three starting appearances for the Canaries. His last appearance for the Yellows came in the 3-2 defeat to Swansea at Carrow Road, where the number 10 came on as a substitute.

Ironically, Cureton is set to go straight back into the squad for Saturday's game, against Barnsley.

Speaking to Radio Norfolk, Cureton said, "It was always my first choice to play at Norwich, If I get a chance, I want to score as many goals as I can for Norwich. It'll be strange to play against Barnsley but we need to get results."
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According to the North West press, no move has been made for Bury's highly rated marksman Andy Bishop. Further reports claim that this is entirely now a 'Red Herring' with Simon Davey scouting overseas.

Juan Francisco Martínez Modesto, aka Nino, has been linked as a possible scouting target. Currently with Spanish 2nd Division side C.D. Tenerife, the Striker has scored 13 times in 17 games. Top scorer in his team, they currently sit 4th in the table, three points behind Segunda leaders Xerez.

At 28 years of age, he has already matured as a striker. At 5' 7" he may be more in the mould of an Iain Hume, but adjusting to the English Championship could make him more like Miguel Mossto.

A consistent goalscorer, his career statistics to date suggest 124 goals in 350 career appearances.
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Barnsley midfielder Andy Johnson has been released from his contract at Oakwell.

The 34-year-old former Wales international has failed to break into manager Simon Davey's starting line-up this season.

A club statement read: "Barnsley FC can confirm that midfielder Andy Johnson has left Oakwell after his contract with the club was cancelled by mutual consent."
Johnson has made only four first-team appearances for the Tykes since arriving on a free transfer from Leicester in June 2007.

He started out as a trainee at Norwich and was signed by Nottingham Forest for £2.2million in 1997 before West Brom bought him for £200,000 in 2001.
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January transfer signings in the past two seasons have proved pivotal for Barnsley.

Simon Davey needs to make it a hat-trick if his side are not to get sucked into another relegation battle.

Hungarian international Istvan Ferenczi scored five goals in his first four starts after signing on deadline day in 2007 and Barnsley won four of the five games Jon Macken scored in after completing his move to the club in January last year.

Their goals ensured Barnsley beat the drop on each occasion.

Davey needs to act quickly to sign another goal-scorer after promising Chesterfield striker Jamie Ward failed to agree personal terms over a £400,000 move to Oakwell.

That is not the only problem facing the Barnsley manager.

He has an entire midfield wiped out by injury and none of those sidelined have yet shown the ability to grab vital goals in the manner of Brian Howard, whose move to Sheffield United has given Davey £500,000 spending power.

To compound his problems, Norwich City are next up and so loan striker Jamie Cureton will be unable to figure against his parent club after being one of several players guilty of squandering chances to sink a poor Southampton side.

"We lost that because we did not put the ball in the back of the net," reflected Davey. "We had an endless amount of chances and possession and when we did breach them the keeper made saves. When that happens in a game they are always going to get one chance when they are away from home and, unfortunately, they scored the goal that killed us.

"A striker is a priority. I need to get one, possibly two, strikers in but the way the midfield is going at the moment I might need a midfielder. I have to react to what happens on a weekly basis. I have got a few irons in the fire and we should have a face in the building by Wednesday."

Davey went with Cureton and Macken up front with Maceo Rigters playing behind them in a diamond midfield formation.

It was the Blackburn loan player who missed the easiest chance of the game, one which, had it gone in, would have put a different complexion on the match.

Cureton had already sent a dipping volley just over when, on the half-hour, he nipped a cross from Jamal Campbell-Ryce past his marker in the middle of the area only to see Rigters reach it first only to inexplicably hit it wide from the centre of goal as Kelvin Davies rushed out.

Three minutes later and Macken had the ball in the net but left-back Marciano Van Homoet, playing with six stitches in a head wound, was flagged for offside before making the low cross after being released by Bobby Hassell – a poor decision by the linesman.

Hassell, outstanding as stand-in for injured defensive midfield man Hugo Colace (thigh), again threaded the ball through before the break but Davies rushed out to save at the feet of Cureton.

Southampton had been kept in the game by the prompting of Lee Holmes – he forced a good save from Heinz Muller – and the defensive awareness of debutant centre-back Jan Paul Saejis, on loan from Roda JC.

But they had debutant left-back from Everton Lee Moleyneux booked before the break for a foul on Campbell-Ryce and it looked odds on that the Reds winger would test him after the interval.

Instead, Campbell-Ryce spent much of the second half shuttling the ball across the width of the pitch – his work rate could not be questioned but its effectiveness could.

Campbell-Ryce still supplied the corner from which right-back Stephen Foster thought he had scored with a downward header which, however, Davies somehow palmed over the bar as it bounced off the turf.

The Barnsley captain and centre-back Dennis Souza also met another corner only to see Lloyd James head of the line.

By this time, 18-year-old Jacob Butterfield had replaced the ineffective Mounir El Haimour and he used the ball intelligently to keep the Reds going forward.

Davey said of the former trainee: "He's a good player who is still young and who has been training with the first team for a year now. Hopefully, he will improve and push himself and become a first team regular."

Barnsley's best chance of the half from open play came in the 75th minute when Macken curled the ball over from the right and Cureton met it at the far post but was unable to hit it past Davies. A minute later and Barnsley were made to pay as Saints capitalised on their one chance of the half to set up their fifth away win of the season.

Foster, under pressure from Morgan Schneiderlin, conceded a corner which was only cleared out to Holmes, who hooked the ball back in and David McGoldrick had time and space to beat Muller with a downward header.

Davey threw on Kayode Odejayi and the striker appeared to have won an 87th-minute penalty when he looked to be hauled down by Saeijs but referee Tony Bates waved play on.

"It was a definite penalty," moaned Davey, who faces a disciplinary hearing in York at the end of the month over his reactions in the game against Sheffield United.

"We don't seem to be getting them at Oakwell. If it had been in front of the Kop at Anfield then it would have been a penalty. I'm fed up of asking the referees about their decisions – they don't change their minds."

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According to the Barnsley Chronicle, Simon Davey has hinted he would be prepared to let Kayode Odejayi go if an acceptable offer comes in. The Barnsley boss is looking to bring in two strikers during the transfer window which will mean another front man may have to follow outgoing striker Miguel Mostto.

Davey said: "There is no money on the table for Kay but if somebody does come in then it may be in his best interests to have a look at it because he is not a regular starter."
Episode 16:

In the first 'Coca-Cola' Football League podcast of 2009 Mark Clemmit is joined by new Nottingham Forest Manager Billy Davies, who discusses his return to the management hotseat after an absence of 13 months.

Hartlepool United's Ritchie Humphreys talks about his life with Pools and time at former club Sheffield Wednesday, as well as his plans for when his playing days come to an end.

Birmingham City's new signing Robin Shroot reveals why swapping life at Harrow Borough for the Blues has meant he now prefers to get a lift into work and Barnet's Director and former Manager Paul Fairclough reveals why the time was right to move upstairs at Underhill.

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.

Click here to listen to the latest episode in full now

If you're wondering why Episode 15 is missing from OTPE, I simply chose not to publish the 'Christmas special', as it was a highlights edition of all previous episodes still listed on this site. You can obtain it here.
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With it now widely reported that Barnsley have pulled out of a deal to sign Chesterfield striker Jamie Ward, you have to wonder why the player failed to agree personal terms.

In this respect, I don't blame the club for playing a cautious hand in structuring a package for a player who is untested at Championship level, regardless of the potential he has shown in the lower part of the football league.

Speculation always leads to the role of agents in the game in the brokering process.

Fact is, they are a part of football (the business) world-wide and considering the stakes for a professional footballer nowadays, they are an important aspect of the player's career. As for being a servant to football (the sport), this is not their role or their motivation.

As Jamie Ward's agent Gino Culbertson states on his website, "We are a managegment team who look to protect and safeguard the interest of our clients, not just for today, but also for the future, quite simply 'Our goal is to help our clients achieve theirs'. Our representation and negotiation skills are designed to ensure that our clients interests always come first and that we secure financial security and peace of mind for them and their families. Rewards have never been greater in today's game and it is so important to have dedicated, trustworthy representation and guidance to ensure that the 'pitfalls' and unwanted distractions in the modern game are avoided".

This in turn, makes representation a profitable business for any licensed sports management agency. To exist, they have to constantly seek the maximum return for the work that they carry out.

Back to Mr Culbertson, who in an article written in the Daily Mail in July 2007, was commenting on the League's bill for agents shooting up by £1m. In the article he is quoted as follows,

"The clubs who were promoted (to the Premier League) paid big for players, so in that sense it's a surprise. However, on the other hand I'm not surprised as clubs outside the Premier League don't have the money.

"It's difficult for agents due to the lack of money in the lower leagues. Hopefully the £90million the Football League have received from the Premier League (as a 'solidarity package') will help."

This must imply that terms at the top tier of the Football League, the Championship would offer commercial advantages to both a representative and his client.

Obviously many things need to be considered by all parties at the negotiating table. Allegedly one ex-Red previously transferred between Grimsby and Aston Villa earlier in his career received a signing-on fee in the region of £250,000.

So, as stated by the BBC, "Barnsley have pulled out of a deal to sign Chesterfield striker Jamie Ward after the player failed to agree personal terms".

Ward's agent has revealed that the Tykes did not meet his wage demands.

Gino Culbertson said: "Jamie had a figure in mind and unfortunately Barnsley couldn't match that figure.

"It's disappointing but we move on and it's business as usual."

If Jamie already knew what he wanted, why wasn't this revealed before today's meeting? Why was Mr Culbertson involved at all if the player was simply turning up to listen to Barnsley's response. We'll never know.
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Chesterfield have accepted an offer of £400,000 from Barnsley for striker Jamie Ward.

The deal is still subject to the striker agreeing personal terms with the Reds. No doubt more news will be following shortly.
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The BBC and Barnsley FC have confirmed that Sheffield United have signed Barnsley midfielder Brian Howard following a successful loan spell.

The 25-year-old moved to Bramall Lane on loan in October 2008 with a view to joining on a permanent basis.

The deal is believed to be worth £500,000 after £200,000 was paid up front on his loan signing and it is understood there is a sell-on clause.
Howard joined Barnsley from Swindon in 2005 and helped them win promotion at the end of his first season.

He came to national prominence last season when he played a key part in helping the club reach the FA Cup semi-finals.

Howard scored a last-minute winner as Barnsley beat Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield and led them to another astonishing victory over Chelsea in the following round.
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Barnsley Football Club have agreed to sell striker Miguel Mostto to Peruvian side (possibly sponsored by a toothpaste manufacturer) Total Clean Futbol for an undisclosed fee.

Miguel signed for the Reds in the summer of 2007 from Cienciano but failed to find his feet in the first team on a regular basis. After a brief loan spell home to Coronel Bolognesi last season, Miguel came back to Oakwell to fight for his place in the side.

Miguel was also hit hard when his son fell ill earlier in the year and was allowed compassionate leave for a week.

The Peruvian, who turns thirty on Sunday, made only twenty-seven appearances for the Tykes netting two goals.

One of his goals this season came against Watford and the front-man dedicated that strike to injured colleague Iain Hume, by gesturing a number seven with his hands to the Oakwell crowd.

Reds manager Simon Davey told the club`s official website:

"We are disappointed to see Miguel leave the Club but sometimes you have to do things which are in the best interests of the player and he needs to be back with his family."

I'm sure all fans wish Miguel all the best for the rest of his career.
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According to SkySports, Barnsley are amongst a host of clubs taking an interest in Carlisle United's Danny Graham amid reports of a £250,000 bid from Huddersfield Town.

Graham has scored 13 goals for the Cumbrians and notched in the recent 3-0 win over the Terriers at Brunton Park.

His display is reported to have impressed new Huddersfield boss Lee Clark sufficiently to make a bid for the former Middlesbrough youngster.

Though Carlisle chief executive David Allen acknowledged the interest in Graham, he did not disclose which clubs are looking to sign the forward.

"Danny Graham is a top goalscorer and it is inevitable he is going to attract interest," Allen told the News & Star.

"We can confirm there has been quite a bit of interest, even though it is very early days in the transfer window.

"And the type of money that has been talked about is well short of the price that we would put on Danny. We see him as a valuable asset to the club."

In addition to Huddersfield, Graham has also been linked with moves to Barnsley, Dundee United, Preston North End and Swansea City.
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Bury striker Andy Bishop is still considering his future as manager Andy Knill has been left to wait for a response to the contract offer he has made to the club's prize asset.

Knill confirmed that other teams have shown an interest in signing Bishop, who is out of contract in the summer.

He also insisted that his club have made a strong offer to the 26-year-old frontman.

"I don't think there are many teams, definitely in our league, that could match the offer we've made him," Knill told the Manchester Evening News.

Knill wants Bishop to provide a hasty answer to his contract offer as he plots a January transfer window raid to replace the striker if Bishop decides to move on.

Bishop has made 117 appearances for the Shakers, netting 57 times.

This has made him the club's leading scorer for the last three seasons.

With potential connections to the current Reds Assistant Ryan Kidd (from his days as Centre of Excellence Manager at Bury FC), could this be a potential alternative move - if the deal for Jamie Ward doesn't come off?

In comparison to Andy Bishop's stats above, Jamie Ward has made 109 Appearances (19 as Sub) since 2005/06, netting 43 times.
Jamie Ward's agent has confirmed that Barnsley have made a £400,000 bid for the Chesterfield striker.


It was revealed on Monday that the Tykes had approached Chesterfield about taking Ward, who has scored 16 goals in all competitions this season, to Oakwell.

At least one other Championship club are known to be interested in signing the Northern Ireland Under-21 international, but his representative Gino Culbertson insists that Barnsley are in poll position.

"Jamie has always wanted to play at the highest level possible. Barnsley are the first to break cover and announce that they have made an offer," Culbertson told the Derbyshire Times.

"It is a very good offer for Chesterfield and it makes Barnsley the front runners for his signature. Being at a Championship club would enhance his chances of playing international football."

Should Chesterfield sell Ward they must pay his former club Torquay 25% of the fee. Ward arrived at Saltergate from the Devon club in a £100,000 deal in January 2007.
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Barnsley have made an offer for Chesterfield striker Jamie Ward, reports BBC Radio Sheffield.

The 22-year-old is out of contract in the summer and has scored 16 goals already this season alerting him to a number of Championship sides.

The Spireites are currently considering the offer along with two other bids also from Championship clubs.

Barnsley are looking for a striker to replace Iain Hume who is out with a fractured skull.

The Reds have given Chesterfield a deadline to accept their bid and expect an answer in the next few days.
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Speaking to today's YEP, Patrick Cryne says Barnsley are entering 2009 looking up the table and not down.

The Tykes are now 6-1 to be relegated but the Barnsley chief won't be having a bet!

Barnsley were written off as relegation certainties following just one league success from their opening nine games.

Three wins in October, instigated by a 4-1 victory against Doncaster, transformed their season and Simon Davey's side finished 2008 with a bang with seven points from their last three games.

At one point long odds-on favourites for relegation, the Tykes now enter 2009 eight points clear of the Championship drop zone.

As far as Cryne is concerned, Barnsley's progress won't be ending there.

"I think we can move on and we want to get into the top half this season," he said.

"If we get into that top half we can say it has been a good season by the standards we set ourselves, which is year-on-year improvement.

"We want to finish higher in the league than we did last season and, ideally, for us to say that we have made decent progress we want to be in the middle of the table by the end of the season.

"If you then look at the squad that we have got, a lot of them are under contract for next season and we have signed a number of key players for the future, people like Jamal Campbell-Ryce, Martin Devaney and (Stephen) Foster.

"The tragedy to the season was losing Iain Hume and under those circumstances.

"That was disappointing but to be in mid-table without him I think bodes very well for us."

Still recovering from his fractured skull, striker Hume hopes to be back training by the end of February and in the weeks following his injury the Tykes struggled badly for goals.

Loan star Jamie Cureton is doing his bit to solve that problem, netting twice in his last two league games, but whether Cureton is the cure or not, Cryne is adamant Barnsley need more firepower, especially in Hume's absence.

"Our target has to be to find a striker to replace Iain Hume for the rest of the season and to increase the number of goals," said Cryne.

"We are creating plenty of opportunities but we are not always converting them. we have got good strikers but not the predators that you really need to score lots of goals.

"The sides that get promoted are the sides that score lots of goals.
"Defensively I think we are very sound, our midfield is strong, or stronger than it has been so the priority has to be to find a striker.

"We've got the wingers and Martin (Devaney) should be back in the new year."

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."

Leaving is the last thing on Cryne's mind – the Tykes owner is Barnsley born and bred, Cryne's official involvement with the club was initiated in June 2001 when his iSOFT company was unveiled as sponsors.

Cryne was to become the eventual owner and says he revels in watching his side without being under too much pressure.

"I love Barnsley Football Club," he said. "I love watching and I don't get too involved with the day-to-day management which is where a lot of the irritation and aggravation comes from.

"I have the luxury of just being able to turn up and watch a game and I like what I have seen."

Cryne is now convinced that better times are just around the corner in 2009 and under no circumstances does he believe that Barnsley will go down.

With the injury to Hume, the Brian Howard transfer saga and the clearance row over Hugo Colace, the Tykes have experienced something of a roller coaster ride with the season only half done.

Cryne admits that a period of smooth sailing would now be preferred to help to propel Barnsley up the league.

He said: "I think we'll be stronger in the second half of the season as we started poorly.

"We were missing Hugo Colace for a month and when he came in that really helped the midfield.

"I think it is possible to identify a couple of things that turned our season and I feel that was finally moving Brian Howard on as after that we started to get the results.

"I'm confident that we will get better and achieve better things."
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Reds boss Simon Davey gave his thoughts to the clubs official site after today's FA Cup Third Round defeat at West Ham United.

Simon said: "I am not disappointed with our performance but I am disappointed with the result. It does not help when you have a settled side and then have to make five changes. I thought we came here and passed the ball well at times but we gave them two goals in the first half.

"At 1-0 I felt we were always in the game and we were creating chances and getting shots away. When you concede a goal like that just before half time it is always hard and it changes your team talk. It was an uphill task but I felt we went about that well before giving them a third.

"We went about it in the right way here today and it is unfortunate.

"The Championship is a tough division and we are in a position now where we are eight or nine points off the play offs and the relegation zone. We are looking up and our form in the last ten or 12 matches has been good. We want to wipe this result out of our system as soon as possible and get back to business against Southampton next weekend.

"Last year our cup form was a distraction to us and we were in the same situation as we are in now. We dipped last year and we have to make sure that does not happen. We always want to win every game and we are very disappointed not to have done that here today. We are disappointed to be out of the cup and we now want to climb the league".
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Hugo Colace has signed a new contract which will keep him at Barnsley until the summer of 2010.

The Argentinian midfielder joined from Newell Old Boys on a six-month loan deal in the summer and has since proved a pivotal player in manager Simon Davey's first team.

Colace has made 18 league appearances for the Reds and is delighted to commit his future to the club.

"I am very happy to have signed a new contract. I enjoy playing for Barnsley and look forward to achieving success with the club," he told the club's official website.

"Simon Davey and the staff have made my transition from Argentina much easier and I feel at home here.

"I am keen to continue to improve my football and give the team 100 per cent."
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So lightning doesn't strike twice after all. Last season Barnsley were electric in the FA Cup, beating Liverpool and Chelsea on their way to the semi-finals, but today they suffered a power cut and the result was a West Ham win which will be remembered mainly for the return of Kieron Dyer.

After a 17-month absence with a knee injury the midfielder's appearance for the final 20 minutes was greeted by the home fans as warmly as any goal, and they almost had one of those to cheer as well when Dyer's late shot clipped the top of the bar. "It was good to get him back," said assistant manager Steve Clarke. "He showed some good touches but he also showed us he's nowhere near match fitness."

The game was won long before Dyer got involved, with a fog of predictability descending as soon as Herita Ilunga put the Premier League side ahead in the 10th minute. The full-back won a free-kick on the left, Mark Noble crossed and, with the defence preoccupied with Carlton Cole, Ilunga prodded home unmarked at the far post. Jack Collison and the impressive Craig Bellamy both missed good chances before West Ham doubled their lead. Noble did well to gather Cole's overhit pass, cut inside and, having been pulled back by Mounir El Haimour, converted the penalty confidently.

With their first-choice front two both out Barnsley's threat was largely limited to the central midfielder Diego León, who operated a one-man shoot-on-sight policy. It almost paid off, and the Spaniard hit both post and bar in the second half, the former after a good save from Robert Green.

In the 68th minute West Ham's best move of the match ended with Cole smartly converting Ilunga's cross, and Barnsley started looking for a silver lining. "The Cup was a distraction last season," said manager Simon Davey. "As our run gathered momentum our league form dipped. We're disappointed we're out of the cup, don't get me wrong, but at least now we can get on with the league."

The Guardian
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According to this morning's Yorkshire Post, Barnsley defender Rob Kozluk has not fractured his cheekbone as was first feared after last weekend's draw with Preston North End.

Kozluk was forced off at half-time following a collision and scans appeared to show a small fracture, with the club confirming the full-back would be sidelined for a month.

But manager Simon Davey said: "We will be without Rob Kozluk for the trip to West Ham (in the FA Cup) but we have had some good news regarding Rob after he went to see a radiologist and it does not look as though there is a fracture after all."

Barnsley have been refused permission to play on-loan striker Jamie Cureton in tomorrow's FA Cup tie with Premier League West Ham.

Cureton has scored in his last two appearances for the Tykes, but parent club Norwich do not want him cup-tied.