May 2017


I'm not a fan of country music, but the headline seems pretty apt when referencing our dear old football club.

In his song, 'I'm Just an Old Chunk of Coal' 
the Texas singer/songwriter Billy Joe Shaver tells a story of transformation, using the coal to diamond metaphor to represent his faith in Jesus, and the change he anticipates when he makes his transition.

For me, this tune doesn't touch my bones in any way, but seems like a fairly cool analogy of the Reds' ongoing circumstances. Let's be fair. Whenever the national press decide to offer any opinion on Barnsley, it's generally poorly researched and offers nothing in terms of any 'inside knowledge'. Check out, Josh Scowen and Marley Watkins set to leave after rejecting new deals.


Of course, It's massively disappointing that we have to develop and move talented players on, but I'm convinced that Paul Heckingbottom will rebuild yet again. None of these players are a one-off. There will be more. Barnsley seem to be one of a few British clubs giving talent a platform to play and naturally, once proven, we lose 'em.

The following First Team and Under 23’s players have not been offered new contracts and will be released when their current deals expire.