The sun’s out, the UEFA U21s are on, and Oakwell’s transfer window looks like it’s stuck on pause. Six weeks until kick-off, and we’ve signed precisely nobody. The club reckon the free agent market’s “stronger than usual” — but unless you count tumbleweed and Twitter rumours, there’s not been much strength shown yet. Communication? Scarce. Transparency? Non-existent. If the plan is to keep fans guessing, they’re doing a cracking job.
RIP Eddie Loyden – A Red Remembered
Barnsley FC announced the passing of Eddie Loyden this week, aged 79. The Liverpool-born striker played 34 games for the Reds during the 1968/69 campaign, netting 13 goals — a tidy return for a single season stint. Loyden had a career spanning clubs like Millwall, Tranmere, and Wigan, but it’s clear his time at Oakwell left a lasting impression. Our condolences go out to Eddie’s family and friends — once a Red, always a Red.
📌 Source: Barnsley FC
Keillor-Dunn Drawing Eyeballs and Eyebrows
Apparently, Charlton and Middlesbrough have both been eyeing up Davis Keillor-Dunn. The Yorkshire Post reports that the Reds have slapped a “multi-million” price tag on him — and not just a few quid over a million either. We’re talking Alfie Mawson/Marc Roberts levels. Whether that’s optimism or delusion is anyone’s guess, but either way, as of now, there are no formal bids.
With the club looking to balance the books and lean into loans and freebies, a big money sale for DKD might be the only real way Hourihane gets to spend this summer. Scroll through X (or Twitter, if you’re old school) and you’ll see plenty of fans wondering if we’ll blink first or dig our heels in. Jury’s out.
📌 Source: Yorkshire Post
Transfer Window Open (But Is Anyone Home?)
Despite the window officially swinging open — and briefly shutting again — Barnsley have yet to bring in a single new face. That’s the longest we’ve waited for a signing in a regular pre-season since 2018. The Chronicle reports the Reds are sniffing around QPR keeper Murphy Cooper, who had a blinder on loan at Stevenage. But no deal done just yet.
The club’s current strategy seems to involve hoping the free agent market throws up a few gems. So far, it’s just chucked up a lot of silence.
📌 Source: Barnsley Chronicle
Cooper Links Strengthen – Keeper Target Confirmed
More smoke around the Murphy Cooper rumours, this time from the Yorkshire Post, confirming Barnsley’s interest in the QPR goalkeeper. Cooper, 23, kept 16 clean sheets at Stevenage last season — and with goalkeeping still a vacancy on and off the pitch, he’d fill a rather glaring gap. No firm movement yet, but it’s one of the few rumours with real legs.
Meanwhile, Crewe — one of Donny’s promotion rivals — have already strengthened by snapping up a Port Vale man. The Reds? Still sat on their hands. Or maybe they're just playing a very long game. Or chess. With no pieces.
📌 Source: Yorkshire Post
Fan Survey Fallout: Silence is Still Deafening
If you haven’t read our full fan survey breakdown yet, get stuck in. Over 1,000 Reds fans shared their views on everything from Hourihane’s appointment to the club’s communication (or lack thereof). It’s honest, blunt, and paints a picture of a fanbase desperate to be heard — and more than a little worried about the future.
📌 Source: On The Ponty End
Final Whistle: Still Waiting for the Starting Gun
It’s hard to muster much optimism when the only news is who might leave, or which coach might arrive. We’re six weeks from kick-off and there's not a single fresh face to pin our hopes on. Hourihane might be quietly plotting, but right now the club’s silence is only fuelling speculation, worry — and plenty of sarcasm in the stands.
Still, it’s only mid-June. Plenty of time to panic later.
Very ,very well articulated. 👍
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