This Saturday, former Reds boss Paul Hart returns with his new charges, Crystal Palace, for his first competitive game against Barnsley since his departure in May 2005.

We take a look back at the Hart era..

  • He brought Andy Ritchie to Oakwell as his number 2. Without which, would we ever have achieved promotion from League One, just a single season after he left?
  • Paul Hart was responsible for bringing "Sir Bobby" Hassell to the Reds. The most cultured right back not to be linked with an England place in South Africa. Could "Our Bobby" be the next Bobby to lift the World Cup?
  • Millennium Stadium hero, Nick Colgan arrived under Mr Hart's tenure. Would Barnsley ever have won the play-off shoot-out otherwise?
  • Without Hart would the Ponty End ever have started chanting, "One Greedy B*****d, there's only One Greedy B*****d"? Sorry, that honour would go to one Mr Stephen MacPhail.
  • Now then Michale Chopra. What else can you say. Mr Hart must take full credit for this capture on a season long loan.
  • Tony Vaughan anyone? (Looking down at shoes..) unfortunately that was Mr Hart. Matt Carbon? Sorry, yes he was responsible for this signing as well.
  • Swansea City's Garry Monk revealed his treatment from Barnsley boss Paul Hart was the spur he needed to enjoy the good life in Wales, according to the Western Mail in November 2004. Five and half years later, he's still there. Just what did you say Paul?
  • Bradford City 1 - 0 Barnsley
  • Sheffield Wednesday 2 - 1 Barnsley
  • Doncaster Rovers 4 - 0 Barnsley; Barnsley 1 - Doncaster Rovers 3 (For F****'s Sake !!!)
  • But... Huddersfield Town 0 - 2 Barnsley; Barnsley 4 - 2 Huddersfield Town
In the end, Mr Hart guided the Reds to 13th position in the league before agreeing to leave by mutual consent on the 13th May 2005.

Mr Hart?

Come Saturday, will the Red Army answer?
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Ian Wilkinson

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Anonymous said...

Much like Davey really, assembled a decent squad just not a clue how to get the best out of it.