December 2008
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Anderson De Silva's header and Jamal Campbell-Ryce's late penalty clinched Barnsley's first Coca-Cola Championship win in five matches against 10-man Plymouth.

Brazilian midfielder De Silva headed home Diego Leon's 38th-minute free-kick and Campbell-Ryce side-footed home a last-minute penalty, but the Tykes made hard work of seeing off struggling Plymouth.

The visitors played with 10 men for much of the match after Simon Walton had been shown a straight red card 20 minutes before the break.

Walton took exception to De Silva's firm challenge and kicked out at the former Everton playmaker to leave Plymouth, without a win in their past five league matches, facing an uphill struggle in the second period.

Barnsley manager Simon Davey was forced into two changes, with central defender Darren Moore (groin) back from a six-match injury lay-off and Rob Kozluk starting.

Plymouth striker Rory Fallon was suspended so Steve MacLean returned for Paul Sturrock's side.

Barnsley spurned a golden chance to take the lead in the 10th minute.

Leon crossed and unmarked midfielder De Silva headed wide with just Plymouth goalkeeper Romain Larrieu to beat.

The game exploded into life in the 26th minute when Plymouth midfielder Walton left referee Dean Whitestone with no choice other than to brandish a straight red card.

The former Leeds and Ipswich midfielder took exception to De Silva's challenge and kicked out at the elegant Brazilian right in front of the match official.

De Silva then headed the subsequent free-kick against the crossbar and when the ball rebounded to Bobby Hassell, the Barnsley midfielder forced a fine one-handed save from Larrieu with a fierce volley from the edge of the penalty area.

Barnsley deservedly broke the deadlock in the 38th minute.

Leon clipped another weighted free-kick into the area and this time De Silva was on target with his header for his first goal of the season, albeit via a deflection that strike partner Jon Macken appeared to be claiming.

De Silva almost scored a second five minutes after the restart, firing in a low shot from 20 yards that Larrieu turned away and then Argyle defender Krisztian Timar headed the ball on to his own crossbar when under pressure from the Brazilian.

Plymouth worked tirelessly as Barnsley hogged possession without carving out clear scoring chances and striker Paul Gallagher reminded the home side they had only a slender lead with a 25-yard snap-shot in the 66th minute.

Davey sent on-loan Blackburn striker Maceo Rigters for the ineffective Jamie Cureton with 20 minutes left as Barnsley began to labour in the final third.

Within minutes of his arrival the Dutchman swivelled on the edge of the penalty area and rifled in a vicious shot to the near post that Larrieu turned away.

Barnsley made sure of the points in the last minute when Leon was tripped in the penalty area by Plymouth substitute David McNamee and Campbell-Ryce coolly converted.
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FOOTBALL League clubs voted to introduce a ‘Home Grown Players’ rule, as proposed by The Football League Board, at a specially arranged EGM of clubs at Derby yesterday. The new rule will come into effect from the beginning of next season.

Without understanding the fine mechanics of the system; I think this is superb news for Barnsley footballers.

Knowing your players is one thing - however, I've always been a massive fan of using the England "B" system for so-called "Championship" and "below" players. Maybe this will give us the chance to experiment with more authority?
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Darren Moore, having recovered from a groin problem which has sidelined him for almost a month, will make a timely return to the Reds’ rearguard against Plymouth tomorrow.

The 34-year-old centre-back will slot in alongside skipper Stephen Foster in the absence of Brazilian Dennis Souza, who will miss Barnsley’s Christmas programme because of a calf injury. Argentine ace Hugo Colace is also ruled out of tomorrow’s clash because of a one-match suspension, but will return to the squad for the Boxing Day trip to high-flying Burnley.

My opinion is that whilst originally he has been underated, generally most fans would still rather have him here. From his digs in Sheffield, I'm told that he's a GIANT. I believe that, and so would any centre-forward (Premier or other).

Glad to see you back Daz!
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BARNSLEY boss Simon Davey insisted last night that his side’s goalscoring problems can be rectified. The quality of the Reds’ football is not in question – but fans are frustrated at the team’s failure to find the net. The Oakwell men have managed 23 goals in 23 Championship matches. But Davey is confident that the problem can be overcome, whether by the players already at the club or by a swoop into the January transfer market. He said: “I am sure that we can address the issue. I would be worried if we were not creating the chances."

Unfashionable as I may sound, I still believe Kayode Odejayi can do it. He just has to play football and stop trying to entertain.
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REDS boss Simon Davey last night hinted that he will be delving into the January transfer market. Oakwell owner Patrick Cryne has stated that funds are available for when the transfer window opens up in the New Year. And Davey said: “We know what our requirements are and we know what positions we need to strengthen. “Of course we are concentrating fully on our Christmas programme at the moment, but as soon as the transfer window does re-open in January we will see what’s available and what sort of price bracket players are being put into.”
Episode 14:

This week it was the turn of the Majeski Stadium to play host to the latest Coca-Cola Football League Podcast and Mark Clemmit was joined by Marcus Hahnemann, Adrian Edmondson and Damion Stewart.

Click here to listen to the 14th episode in full now

Click here to subscribe via iTunes

Reading goalkeeper Hahnemann discusses life as an American playing in England, as well as an insight into everthing from Iron Maiden to Motor Mechanics.

Exeter City fan Adrian Edmondson tells why he prefers St James Park to Stamford Bridge, and Queens Park Rangers' defender Damion Stewart talks about swapping the Caribbean for Loftus Road.

If you're registered with iTunes, you can set up a weekly subscription 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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Barnsley defender Dennis Souza looks set to miss the festive programme after picking up a calf injury in the weekend defeat at Wolves.

Physio Matt Konapinski believes the Sao Paulo-born 28-year-old will be sidelined for at least two weeks.

Meanwhile, midfielder Martin Devaney hopes to return to first-team action next month after being sidelined for the last three weeks with a ligament injury.

He told the Sheffield Star: "I'm looking to get back as soon as possible. I've been kicking my heels on the sidelines, it's been frustrating.

"It's the longest time I've been out in my career, but I've got my goal to get back as quickly as possible.

"However, I'm being guided by the physio and I don't want to rush back too soon if my injury hasn't healed.

"I've got a ruptured ligament, so hopefully in three to four weeks I'll be back, but I've been told for an injury of that nature you can be out for anywhere between six to eight weeks."
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Barnsley skipper Stephen Foster is struggling to accept how his side can be 28 points worse off than Championship leaders Wolves.

The Reds lost 2-0 at Molineux on Saturday and lie sixth-from-bottom of the table, but Foster insists there is little to choose between the two sides.

He told the club's official website: "We played very well at Wolves, passed it well but did not make their keeper make many saves. We are nearly there as a team and are playing pretty well, but it is just that final thing.

"There was not that much between the teams. There was not three points between us on the day and they are not worth double the number of points.

"That is something else which is very frustrating and that is something we have to put right.

"Wolves picked up a win without playing well and they have that winning mentality and winning formula. We have not had that in the last few weeks."
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Two more MPs have called for the Football Association to review their decision not to hand an increased punishment to Chris Morgan for the challenge which left Barnsley's Iain Hume with a fractured skull.

Barnsley Central MP Eric Illsley tabled an early day motion in parliament 11 days ago, urging the FA to further penalise Sheffield United captain Morgan, who was booked for elbowing Barnsley striker Hume in the side of the head at Oakwell last month.

Colin Challen, Labour MP for Morley and Rothwell, and Rudi Vis, Labour MP for Finchley and Golders Green, are the latest to declare their support - bringing the total number of MPs to eight.

Jim Devine, Labour MP for Livingston, Michael Clapham, Labour MP for Barnsley West and Penistone, Mike Hancock, Liberal Democrat MP for Portsmouth South, Nick Palmer, Labour MP for Broxtowe, and Ann Cryer, Labour MP for Keighley, have all signed the EDM in the last 10 days.

Hume, 25, suffered a fractured skull and internal bleeding in the incident which overshadowed the South Yorkshire derby on November 8, and spent 24 hours in a hospital high dependency unit after undergoing emergency surgery.

The FA later decided not to punish Morgan further, concluding they could "only bring additional charges in the most exceptional cases and only if it can be proved beyond doubt that the actions of a player were a deliberate attempt to injure an opponent".
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Injured Barnsley striker Iain Hume is looking for a chauffeur to help his drive back to full fitness.

It was feared Hume would miss the season after suffering a fractured skull in the Coca-Cola Championship match against rivals Sheffield United.

But brain specialists have told him he could return to training within two months - if he can find someone to drive him there and back!

Hume is now on the look out for a personal chauffeur after being told he will not be able to get behind the wheel for up to six months.

The Canada international is desperate to rejoin his team-mates as soon as possible and play some part in the remainder of the season as the Tykes battle to avoid relegation.

Ex-Leicester man Hume is being driven around by friends and family members at the moment.

But there is every chance the club will fix him up with a full-time chauffeur.

Tykes Manager Simon Davey said: "Iain was back at the ground for the 1-0 defeat against Reading after managing to get himself out of the house and over here to Oakwell.

"His father-in-law brought him, and it was great to see him again.

"Iain is not going to be able to drive for six months and, in the meantime, there are a lot of stages and hurdles for him to get over.

"But the club will endeavour to do all it can to help him get back to full fitness."
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Barnsley manager Simon Davey has hinted he could be ready to spend some of club owner Patrick Cryne's money on a new striker.

The Reds created as many chances as Wolves on Saturday but once again failed to convert any of them, while Cryne has confirmed money will be made available if Davey wants to replace injured striker Iain Hume.

Davey said: "I'm sure that we can address the problem. I would be worried if we were not creating the chances. We are and the thing we must make sure of is that we start to convert them."

He added: "We've come to the top team in the division and for long spells we passed he ball better than them, especially either side of half-time.

"But it is what you do in the final third of the pitch that counts and once again we have failed to turn some good football into goals. When you take chance for chance, we equalled them."
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Danny Wilson has been sacked as manager of League One side Hartlepool United.The former Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday boss, who leaves the club just seven points outside the drop zone, will be replaced on a temporary basis by caretaker manager Chris Turner.Despite having extended their unbeaten run to four games with a 1-1 draw against Hereford last weekend, Wilson was not given a stay of execution with Turner taking over the reins as well as continuing in his role as Director of Sport.

A statement on the club's website read:

As of today, Danny Wilson has left the services of Hartlepool United Football Club.

Chris Turner will be in temporary charge of First Team affairs as well as carrying out his duties as Director of Sport.

The Club would like to thank Danny for the hard work he has put in during his time at Victoria Park and wish him all the best for the future.
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The Football League, Premier League and Football Association have agreed to push the transfer deadline back to 5pm on 2nd February.

This decision has been taken because January 31 falls on a Saturday and, in order to fall in line with procedures adopted by Foreign Associations, the closure has been moved from a weekend date to the first available week day.

This is consistent with the decision taken in August when the deadline was extended to 1st September and has the support of the majority of national associations and European Leagues.
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Barnsley's 17-year Molineux hoodoo continued as a professional Wolves display gave the Coca-Cola Championship leaders all three points.

The Reds last tasted victory at Wolves in 1991 and they never really looked like breaking their duck today as Wanderers strolled to victory with goals in either half.

In truth Barnsley could have found themselves two down even before Bobby Hassell knocked the ball into his own net after goalkeeper Heinz Muller has missed a cross.

Both Kevin Foley and Andy Keogh should have done better with early chances as the hosts began brightly and produced some of the bright, attacking football that has seen them score 48 league goals this season.

Barnsley did improve after the break and could have snatched a point late on with Jamie Cureton and Maceo Rigters missing the target with close-range headers, but Foley made the game safe with a late strike.

"We passed it well at times and were always in the game until their second goal," said Barnsley boss Simon Davey.

"All credit to Wolves. They are flying at the moment. The teams at the top are the ones who come alive in the final third and are more clinical. It's not just the finishing, it's the quality of the balls in as well.

"Wolves are top of the division and consistently winning games. That puts them in good stead and it looks like they could go straight up, although Birmingham and Reading are pushing as well."

As expected, the hosts started on the front foot and Foley stung the hands of Muller with a shot from the edge of the area.

Barnsley were caught on the counter attack in the 19th minute as a swift move created the opening goal.

Following good build-up play from David Edwards and Foley, a dangerous cross was missed by Muller and the hapless Hassell turned the ball into his own net.

It was almost 2-0 moments later as Foley, who was causing the Tykes all sorts of problems down the right flank, drilled a brilliant shot just wide of the post from 20 yards.

More intense pressure from the home side resulted in another goalscoring chance for Keogh, who should have done better with a close-range header following good play from Foley.

Barnsley were dealt another blow just before half-time as Brazilian centre-back Dennis Souza was forced off through injury.

The second half began at a much slower pace with Wolves happy to sit on their slender lead. This encouraged the Tykes to take a stranglehold of proceedings but despite some nice interplay in the middle of the park, they found it hard to penetrate the home defence.

They did go close in the 65th minute, though, as Cureton found himself with space in the area. But the on-loan striker sent his header over the bar when he should have hit the target.

Substitute Rigters had a great chance to draw the visitors level but he missed the target with a far-post header, before Foley put the game to bed five minutes from time with a shot from just inside the area after good work from Sylvan Ebanks-Blake.
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According to today's Yorkshire Post; Mick McCarthy believes his own experience in winning promotion with Barnsley as a young player means his Wolves side will not feel the pressure against his former club today.

The Molineux club top the Championship with an impressive haul of 50 points from 22 games and enjoy a seven-point advantage over third-placed Reading.

Such a lofty position usually brings added pressure to a side but McCarthy, who won promotion with the Tykes from the old Third Division in 1981, is adamant the youthful nature of his squad means they are not feeling the strain ahead of today's meeting with Barnsley.

The Wolves manager said: "Maybe they don't know how they are expected to feel. I remember being promoted with Barnsley in the Eighties. I was 23 and if someone asked me about pressure, I would have said they were barmy.

"It was only afterwards that I thought 'thank God for that'."

Barnsley seem set for a searching test of their own credentials today against a side who have been beaten just once at home all season.

They can, however, seek comfort from their display at Swansea City on Tuesday night when only a stoppage-time equaliser by Jason Scotland prevented Barnsley from inflicting what would have been only the home side's second defeat of the season at the Liberty Stadium.
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Barnsley's Academy Player of the Year, Jamil Adam, has been invited to attend Nigeria's Youth Championship training camp.

According to the Lagos based Guardian Newspaper,'Flying Eagles' Coach Ladan Bosso has invited 21 foreign-based and 25 home-based players to camp in preparation for the African Youth Championships (AYC) billed for Kigali, Rwanda from January 18 to February 1, 2009.
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Simon Whaley has complimented the management and coaching staff at Barnsley FC in a recent interview.

Speaking with Preston's Official site, Whaley said that under the management of Simon Davey he absorbed a great deal.

"I learned a lot over there, it was a different experience and it's definitely helped me with my career.

"It was a completely different style of training and coaching and the environment was different as well with quite a few non-British players which is different to North End where there aren't so many," he explained.

And obviously there were a couple of familiar faces for him to work with.

"It was good to work with Kelham again, I worked with him at Bury and a little bit with Ryan at North End," he said.

Whaley scored once in five appearances during his loan at Oakwell
Martin Devaney has agreed a new contract which will keep him at Oakwell until the summer of 2011.

Speaking to the club's official site, Martin said: "I am really pleased to have signed this new contract. I have been here a while and to stay at Barnsley is fantastic for me. I could not wait to get it signed and hopefully we can all push on now to more success in the Championship.

"My time here has been very, very successful and I have really enjoyed it. We won promotion from League One to the Championship in my first season; have had two years of Championship football as well as everything that went with our great FA Cup run last year.

"Simon (Davey) has been fantastic for me and I have played a lot of football under him. You always have worries when a new manager comes in and I have seen a lot of players leave this football club but I have worked hard and this is my second new contract under Simon's management so I must be doing something right".

Barnsley manager Simon Davey added: "I am delighted to get another player tied down to a long term contract and, before he picked up his injury, Martin was really hitting form for us this season.

"Martin is a player who has all the attributes to be an excellent performer at this level and is a real match winner on his day. I am delighted to have him with us for another two-and-a-half years".

Martin joined the Reds in August 2005 from Watford and has gone on to make 149 first team appearances, netting 18 goals.
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Barnsley FC owner Patrick Cryne has admitted to the Chronicle that he will be making funds available to Simon Davey during the January transfer window.

The Reds have been crippled by injuries in recent weeks but the manager will be allowed to strengthen the squad at the beginning of this year.
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According to this week's Chronicle, Reds midfielder Anderson De Silva faces a race against time to be fit for Barnsley's trip to runaway leaders Wolves on Saturday.

The Brazilian playmaker missed the midweek clash at Swansea after having stitches in his ankle during the half-time break against Reading.
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Barnlsey assistant manager Ryan Kidd says the side will be travelling to Wolves on Saturday looking for all three points.

As Barnsley prepare for what looks likely to be their toughest trip of the campaign Kidd believes they can take confidence going into the match despite Wolves being the leaders of the Championship and Barnsley struggling for consistency.

"We are going to Wolves to win the game on Saturday. The players and coaching staff believe that we can go there and get all three points.

"We played them here last season and did very, very well against them.

"They have to strikers who are scoring a lot of goals and we have to be aware of that but it is a great game for our players to go and test ourselves again in.

"We cannot go there and sit back for 90 minutes hoping to get something from the game. We have to go there and go out to get it.

"They are a team in form and are confident but I am sure they will be expecting to beat us. Mick McCarthy will make them all aware of what to expect from a Barnsley team and I am sure they will not take us too lightly."
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Reds full back, Marciano Van Homeot, expects a tough encounter this weekend when Barnsley travel to the Championship's high-flyers Wolves; but fans can expect to get something from the game.

Speaking the clubs official site, Marciano said: "I do not know much about Wolves and I have not seen them this season although they are at the top and it will be tough. However, we have to take the good things we did at Swansea for 70 minutes and concentrate on that for a full game.

"We are going there to get something and there is no point thinking we are going for anything else".
Episode 13:

In this week's 'Coca-Cola' Football League podcast, Mark Clemmit is joined by Brian Howard, Chris Iwelumo, Dean Lewington, Grant Holt, Nick Owen and Rhys Day.

Click here to listen to the 13th episode in full now

Click here to subscribe via iTunes

Brian Howard joins the show to discuss life at Sheffield United and reveals his frustrations at the rule preventing him from progressing an international career.

Reflecting on their own personal success the three divisional Powerade Players of the Month - Wolverhampton Wanderers' Chris Iwelumo, Milton Keynes Dons' Dean Lewington and Shrewsbury Town's Grant Holt catch up with Clem.

Completing a busy show, Luton Town Chairman Nick Owen talks about life at the wrong end of The Football League and Aldershot Town skipper Rhys Day admits he's got a busy few days of Christmas shopping ahead of him.

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

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

Between now and the end of the season the Coca-Cola Football League Podcast will feature all 72 League clubs, so make sure you listen to the show this week and every week.
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Two more MPs have today backed Eric Illsley's early day motion (EDM) calling for the Football Association to review its decision not to punish Sheffield United's Chris Morgan for the challenge that left Iain Hume with a fractured skull.

Jim Devine, Labour MP for Livingston, and Michael Clapham, Labour MP for Barnsley West and Penistone, are the latest to declare their support.

Mike Hancock, Liberal Democrat MP for Portsmouth South; Nick Palmer, Labour MP for Broxtowe; and Ann Cryer, Labour MP for Keighley, signed the Early Day Motion earlier this week.
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The clubs site has now published information for our forthcoming FA Cup Third round tie at West Ham.

Barnsley travel to the Boleyn Ground on Saturday 3rd January 2009, KO 3.00pm. Barnsley Football Club will receive an allocation of 5000 tickets for the game.

Tickets for this game are priced at:

Adult Season Ticket Holder - £10.00
Adult Non-Season Ticket Holder £15.00
All Senior Citizens (60 and over) £7.50
Young Adults 16 & 17 years old £7.50
Juvenile (15 and Under) £5.00

Tickets for this game will be sold on a category system, details can be found here.
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JASON Scotland's last minute equaliser snatched a share of the spoils for Swansea after the Reds had been two up and cruising at the Liberty Stadium.

Reds boss Simon Davey told the BBC: "I'm frustrated we let a goal with 15 seconds to go and that hurts.

"I felt we came to Swansea, who are a good side especially at home, and had a game plan and it worked.

"We got ourselves 2-0 in front and we looked comfortable, then the game changed.

"We gave [Jason] Scotland too much room. I warned the players before the game and at half time and unfortunately they didn't take it on board and we've been punished."
Southampton have named former Huddersfield, Barnsley and Blackpool midfielder Dean Gorre as assistant to head coach Jan Poortvliet.

Gorre, who also played for Feyenoord and Ajax, was part of Saints' coaching set-up on a non-contract basis and has now been announced as number two to his fellow Dutchman with immediate effect.

"I am delighted that Dean has agreed to support me at Southampton," Poortvliet told Saints' official website.

"He shares my passion for good, passing football in the Johan Cruyff tradition and also has a great deal of experience of English football as a player. He will undoubtedly strengthen our coaching team."
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Three more MPs have backed Eric Illsley's calls for the FA to review its decision not to punish Chris Morgan for his challenge on Iain Hume.

Sheffield United defender Morgan clashed with Barnsley's Hume in the Championship clash at Oakwell on November 8, leaving the latter with a fractured skull.

Barnsley central MP Eric Illsley tabled his parliamentary EDM last Friday and Mike Hancock, Liberal Democrat MP for Portsmouth South, Nick Palmer, Labour MP for Broxtowe and Ann Cryer, Labour MP for Keighley have signed it.

Morgan was booked for elbowing Hume in the side of the head during the derby clash last month.

Canada international Hume also suffered internal bleeding and spent 24 hours in a hospital high dependency unit after having emergency surgery the following day when his condition had deteriorated.

The FA later decided not to punish Morgan further, concluding they could "only bring additional charges in the most exceptional cases and only if it can be proved beyond doubt that the actions of a player were a deliberate attempt to injure an opponent".

Illsley said: "I'm aware of the FA statement and I disagree with it. There are two aspects here, which are the FA's respect agenda and whether or not the actions of Chris Morgan were deliberate. The club are making further representations and what legal avenues are open to them, but my call is for the FA to look at it again."
Iain Hume was back at Barnsley on Saturday, exactly four weeks after suffering a horror injury in the South Yorkshire derby against Sheffield United.

Striker Hume's skull was fractured in a challenge with United skipper Chris Morgan.

According to The Star: He hopes to be back training before the end of February and has not ruled out playing again this season.
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Barnsley midfielder Anderson de Silva is out of Tuesday's clash with Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium.

Reds boss Simon Davey has exclusively revealed that the Brazilian will miss this week's big game with the Swans after picking up a nasty cut to his ankle in the first half of Saturday's defeat by Reading following a challenge with Stephen Hunt.

Although Anderson had stitches in the cut at half time, his ankle has swollen up today and he is not expected to be fit to travel to South Wales.
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Reds boss Simon Davey will not be extending the loan of Preston midfielder Simon Whaley.

Simon has made four appearances since joining the Reds at the start of November, netting one goal, and has returned to Deepdale following Saturday's defeat by Reading.
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The visitors were reduced to ten men in the first-half at Oakwell after Jimmy Kebe's sending off but kept their cool to win the game thanks to Brynjar Gunnarsson's goal.

"We've been fortunate," said manager Steve Coppell afterwards.

"We went down to 10 men in our last away game and we can't keep doing that.

"With the sending-off, the centre-half tried to claim some ground and my player responded by pushing him away so it was a nothing situation. That's no defence because you can't raise your hands but we know what we think and we'll keep our thoughts to ourselves."

Opposite number Simon Davey was in gloomy mood after the game.

"It's very disappointing," he said.

"We couldn't break them down but credit to Reading because we gave them a chance to score and they took it.

"We now have to go to two difficult places in Swansea and Wolves and try and pick up points."
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A defensive howler from Dennis Souza handed 10-man Reading their second victory of the week.

The Royals, fresh from their victory over Coventry on Monday night, came away with all three points after Brazilian centre-back Souza hit an attempted back-pass straight to Kevin Doyle, who crossed for Brynjar Gunnarsson to fire into the empty net.

It was a deserved breakthrough for the Royals, who were barely troubled despite having to play more than half the match with 10 men after Jimmy Kebe was dismissed following a tangle with Souza, and they could have scored more had it not been for inspirational Reds goalkeeper Heinze Muller.

The Reds were only kicked into action after they went behind and both Kayode Odejayi and Jon Macken went close to snatching a late equaliser, while at the other end Doyle should have put the game to bed with a chance on the edge of the area.

Reds manager Simon Davey was forced to make one change to his starting XI with Rob Kozluk's absence with a hamstring injury meaning a recall for Marciano Van Homoet, while Reading boss Steve Coppell named an unchanged line up.

The visitors enjoyed much of the early possession and were denied an early breakthrough when Muller tipped Doyle's flicked header round the post.

Despite their early dominance, however, the Royals looked susceptible on the counter-attack and they almost got caught out when, after a poor defensive clearance, the ball fell to Macken who shot over the bar.

The hosts had a promising opportunity moments later with a free-kick on the edge of the area, but, after a layoff from Hugo Colace, on-loan winger Simon Whaley sent a woeful shot well wide of the target.

Barnsley striker Jamie Cureton went close with an audacious chip from outside the box but Marcus Hahnemann was alert enough to back-pedal and gather the ball.

After a quiet period the game sprung into life in the 35th minute when Kebe was sent off for raising his hands after a tangle with Souza.

The Tykes, eager to take advantage of their numerical advantage, began the second half brightly and top-scorer Macken warmed the hands of Hahnemann with a long-range shot.

But Reading were by no means second best and they went close to finding the net when Ivar Ingimarsson found himself unmarked at the far post and was only denied the opening goal by an outstretched hand from Muller.

The visitors did take the lead in the 64th minute after a defensive mistake from Souza left Gunnarsson to knock into the empty net.

And despite some late pressure from the hosts, Reading held on for a deserved victory.
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LOAN signing Jamie Cureton hopes he can get his season up and running at Barnsley – with a few goals for good measure.

The sharp little striker, now 33, had been a substitute at Norwich and jumped at the chance of a spell at Oakwell.

"I was getting 10 minutes there and I just wanted to play some football and I can hopefully do that with Barnsley," said Cureton who bagged 23 goals in Colchester's first Championship campaign two seasons ago.

"Actually, with a tough set of matches coming up, I couldn't be getting here at a better time. We'll raise our game because it's a tough month ahead."

One of those matches is against Wolves and his former strike partner at Colchester in Chris Iwelumo.

The pair had a successful time together there scoring 41 goals between them in the season that Colchester finished in the top half of The Championship in 2006/07.

Cureton's first Oakwell appearance this afternoon is against one of his former clubs, Reading, who he helped gain promotion to The Championship in 2002.

Cureton said: "I'd love to open my account against them, it's always nice to score against your old club. I had three of my best years there."

He said he'd settled in well at Barnsley but did acknowledge that it was "a bit different with the different nationalities" within the squad.

He said: "I've enjoyed the training, I've partnered Jon Macken and had a session with Kayode Odejayi – then it's up to the manager."

He said he fully expects Reading to be in the promotion shake up at the end of the season -– "they are a good side and have some very good players there," he said.

The Star: 6th December 2008
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WITH Simon Whaley's loan spell up after today's game against Reading, Barnsley manager Simon Davey will speak with his club this weekend about the next move.

Davey says he intends contacting Alan Irvine, boss of Whaley's club Preston, over the weekend with the likelihood he'll pursue an extension.

"We have given Simon a chance to get back into league football," said Davey. "I remember him getting rave reviews as a young player at Bury and then going to Preston but he had just lost his way a bit."

The winger has played three times for the Reds with an injury forcing him to miss two of the games. He was credited with one of the goals in the 3-2 win over Burnley when his shot was deflected.

Barnsley are to drop match-day tickets by £1 - starting with the game against Plymouth on December 20. This follows the VAT reduction and the effects of the general economic climate.
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BARNSLEY'S 'fight for justice' against Sheffield United and Chris Morgan will soon be heard at the Football Association and the House of Commons.

Manager Simon Davey is taking video footage of Morgan's controversial challenge on Iain Hume to Soho Square as part of his appeal against a misconduct charge.

Barnsley MP Eric Illsley has tabled an Early Day Motion in Parliament calling for the FA to review their decision to take no action against Morgan.

Striker Hume was left with a fractured skull as a result of the challenge and is locked in a fight to save his football career.

Davey, who was charged with misconduct after being sent to the stands for complaining about a late penalty, said: "My side of the story is that I lost my rag for 10 to 15 seconds over a penalty decision – but everyone knows why I lost my rag.

"I have admitted what I said but I feel there were mitigating circumstances. I will be showing them some video evidence as well. A lot of decisions seemed to be going against us for certain reasons and that is what lit the touchpaper."

Illsley's motion calls on the FA to review their decision and "either to take action against what can only be described as violent conduct or to abandon once and for all its so-called 'Respect Agenda' in view of the lack of protection given to Iain Hume and the complete failure of football's governing body to deal properly with this issue."

Barnsley's home game against Reading marks the start of a 'tough month', according to Davey. "Reading, Swansea, Wolves, Plymouth, Burnley and Preston – they are all teams who are doing very well in the division," he said.

"If we have an excellent month, we could end up near the top, if we have an indifferent one we might end up down the bottom. But no one likes coming to Barnsley, it is a difficult place to come and get a result and we will relish the opportunity to face top teams."

Yorkshire Post 6th December 2008
Episode 12

In this week's 'Coca-Cola' Football League podcast, Mark Clemmit is joined by Roberto Di Matteo, Pete Winkelman, Kieran Westwood and Anwar Uddin.

Click here to listen to the 12th episode in full now

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Stadiummk was the scene for the latest Coca-Cola Football League Podcast and Mark Clemmit was joined by Milton Keynes Dons Manager Roberto Di Matteo and Chairman Pete Winkelman.

The pair reflected on the Dons' recent achievements in adjusting to life in League 1, following their promotion in May.

Coventry City's Kieran Westwood joined the show to discuss his international life with the Republic of Ireland and revealed the true story about his lucky shorts. While Dagenham & Redbridge's Anwar Uddin reflected on how his career path has differed to that of his former West Ham team-mates like Frank Lampard and Joe Cole, but how he has enjoyed every second of it.

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

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

Between now and the end of the season the Coca-Cola Football League Podcast will feature all 72 League clubs, so make sure you listen to the show this week and every week.
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Reds on loan striker Jamie Cureton is looking to open his Oakwell account against one of his former clubs this weekend.

Speaking to the club's website Jamie said: "I have not played a lot of football in the last few months so to go up against one of my old clubs is always something to look forward to.

"We have a lot of big games coming up in the next month. I am looking forward to them all and hopefully I will be involved.

"I had not been in the Norwich side for the last 16 matches really and I am not the type of player who will just sit around, not play and pick up a wage. It is a big step for me to come here and hopefully I can play some games.

"I had three great seasons and Reading and it was probably my best time in football. We won promotion and were in a Play Off Final. As a club they have moved on and spent time in the Premier League. They will be a force in this league and will be looking to go straight back up.

"It would be great to score my first goal for Barnsley on Saturday and nice to get one against my old club".
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Barnsley manager Simon Davey has revealed he is hoping to extend Preston winger Simon Whaley's loan spell at Oakwell next week.

Whaley has made three appearances for the Tykes since arriving on loan last month and Davey is keen to keep hold of the talented 23-year-old for longer.

Davey said: "Simon Whaley's loan deal is up after this weekend's game and that is a conversation I will have to have next week with (Preston manager) Alan Irvine.

"We will have to see what the situation is. Simon had a great start to his career at Bury and earned a move to Preston.

"He has lost his way a bit and we want to give him the platform to get that back.

"The quality is there and we want to give him the opportunity to express himself."
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Barnsley's preparations for this weekend's match against Reading have been hit by the freezing conditions.

The Reds have been forced to train indoors because of frozen ground and snow in the last few days.

Manager Simon Davey told BBC Radio Sheffield that the recent cold snap has made preparations difficult.

"Monday, Tuesday we were indoors, we couldn't get on the grass," he said. "We also had a few stuck in the snow as well, two or three missed training."
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Barnsley defender Darren Moore will be bidding this week to step up his rehabilitation program in order to recover from his recent groin injury.

Matt Konopinksi, the Reds Physio, speaking to the club's official site said, "Darren is progressing as we would expect following his groin injury. Darren should have started running again by the time we play Reading and he will be able to start some strengthening work in the gym".
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Reds Boss Simon Davey has requested a peronal hearing with the FA, after admissting a charge of improper conduct.

Davey faces a disciplinary hearing in relation to the Sheffield United fixture, when he was sent to the stands by match official - Andy D'Urso
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FOUR excellent goals, all from outside the penalty area, highlighted Rotherham's 4-2 win over Barnsley in the totesport.com Central League at the Don Valley Stadium last night.

The best was the first by Ryan Taylor who, 35 yards out, showed great precision to send an inch-perfect effort floating over Kyle Letheren, who wasn't that far off his line.

Michael Coulson cleverly flicked a centre for Alistair Taylor inside the far post for the equaliser just past the half-hour. Jamile Adam took advantage of defensive misjudgement to put Barnsley in front.

But Rotherham levelled three minutes into the second half when Peter Holmes struck a low drive into the far corner.

Young midfielder Grant Darley surged with determination to drive home low from 25 yards to put the Millers ahead.

Jacob Butterfield missed a good chance for Barnsley and Marc Newsham might have scored twice for Rotherham before Taylor hit Rotherham's fourth from 20 yards.

Rotherham Utd res: Cann; Darkin, Haggerty, Hemsley, Nicholas (Austin 60); Yates (Vernon 79), Darley, Holmes, Garcia; Taylor, Newsham. Unused: Parr-Gallagher, Gladwin, Richardson.

Barnsley res: Letheren; Scargil, Branson, Potter, Tienen; Taylor (Crapper 75), Butterfield, Heslop, Mellor (Fearnehough 75); Coulson, Adam (Briscoe 84). Unused: Watts, Free.
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Barnsley skipper Stephen Foster hopes the defeat against Nottingham Forest will force the Tykes into an improvement.

Having lost 1-0 against Forest on Saturday they now face a busy and tough-looking month with Reading at home next up before trips to Swansea and table-toppers Wolves after that.

And Foster wants the defeat at the weekend to be the wake-up call he believes they need ahead of December's schedule.

"We have a very difficult game against Reading and hopefully that defeat last week will be the kick up the backside we need. We know that we cannot just turn up and expect to roll teams over," he said on the club's website.
Stephen Foster admits he should have rescued a point for Barnsley in time added on at Nottingham Forest instead of hitting the crossbar.

The Tykes skipper headed Jamal Campbell-Ryce's 92nd-minute cross against the woodwork in the 1-0 defeat at the City Ground on Saturday.

Foster told the club's official website: "I was gutted not to put that one in with the last kick of the game at Nottingham Forest.

"If anything I had too much time and saw the ball come all the way over.

"Sometimes it's better when you don't think about it, but that's no excuse and I should have scored."