BOLTON WANDERERS PREVIEW

After the trip to Bristol last weekend brought about our first defeat since New Years Day, it's back to Oakwell this Saturday for a rare 3pm home game as we welcome a resurgent Bolton Wanderers. 

In this edition of the blog, we'll preview the big match as well as taking a look back at events since we last spoke all things BFC. 



So let's rewind a couple of weeks and first review our safe passage through to the Quarter Finals of the FA Cup.. 

The impressive partnership up top of Chris Dagnall and Marlon Harewood continued to bear fruit in Milton Keynes as the Reds saw off the Dons in a cup tie that had everything. 

Just under 4,000 Tarn supporters were in attendance, and in the first half in particular they were treated to another performance of the highest quality. 

The recalled Jacob Mellis had a terrific impact, and the lively - as ever - David Perkins was ably assisted in midfield by the rejuvenated Kelvin Etuhu. The home side couldn't cope with our industry, nor our frenetic pace, and it really ought to have been game over by half time. 

It was 1-0 inside 10 minutes as Dagnall latched onto Mellis' lofted through-ball, taking it in his stride brilliantly before rifling the ball low into the keepers far corner. It was badly defended, no doubt, but the finish was exemplary. 

The second goal soon followed, as Scott Wiseman played a one-two down the right with Mellis, before laying the ball on a plate for Harewood who side-footed the ball home unchallenged. 

Both Dagnall and Harewood could have added to their tallies, as the Dons struggled to get to grips with our fluid system.

However, the Dons came out fighting - quite literally - in the second half and after Etuhu was stretchered off after 7 minutes of on-pitch treatment, the Reds seemed to lose focus. None more so than Tom Kennedy who dithered as Dean Bowditch stormed through the middle before firing past Luke Steele. 
Game on.. 

For the next 15 minutes or so it was desperate defending from the Reds, as Dons substitute Adam Chicksen ran Wiseman ragged out wide, forcing numerous free kicks and corners. 

From one of the corners the home side created their best chance for an equaliser. Floated in at the second attempt a cross was met perfectly in the air by Alan Smith but his goal-bound header was tipped over the bar quite expertly by Steele. 

As it was, we began to pick them off on the break and after Mellis and Dagnall had spurned previous chances to put the game to bed, the latter was slipped in through on goal by Perkins, before rounding the keeper to slot home into an empty net for 3-1 and the victory. 

Deep into some 12 minutes of stoppage time former Leeds United striker Smith was dismissed for using an elbow when challenging Rory Delap aerially. It looked harsh to me, but to be honest, it couldn't have happened to a nicer bloke... 

Kelvin Etuhu - We feared the worst

So into the Quarter Final draw we went, but first thoughts were over the health of Etuhu, after his clash of heads early in the second period. 

I think we all feared the worst, initially. But a couple of hours after the game it was thankfully confirmed that he'd be fine, albeit shaken after suffering a broken nose. 


The draw arrived on the Sunday, and we watched with anticipation as former England supremo (and turnip) Graham Taylor, and ex Reds manager Simon Davey fiddled around with the FA's balls... 

Manchester City, away.. 

Obviously, some of us were delighted with the draw. Meanwhile, there were many - me included - who would have preferred Millwall at home. 

Ah well, it gave us something else to blame Simon Davey for. The Welsh pillock. 


Anyway, more of the City tie later... 

Mellis applies the finish

We then hosted fellow strugglers Wolves back in the Championship, on a cold Tuesday night in front of an improved attendance - cheaper tickets do work. 

The Reds seemingly didn't realise it was a 7.45pm kick off, as the visitors had the ball for a good 20 minutes, and after a myriad of corners and near misses, Wolves forward Bjorn Sigurdarsson gave them a well deserved early lead. 

However, we began to get into our stride, and that man Dagnall delivered once more. He met an inviting cross from Delap to head home brilliantly to level it up early into the second half. 

There was only going to be one winner after that. 

And it was substitute Mellis, who after fine work from Chris O'Grady slotted in the winner via a cute deflection. 

It was a massive victory, as we leapfrogged Wolves, and found ourselves out of the bottom three for the first time in months.. 



There was bad news, though. There always is, isn't there? 

Left wing back Scott Golbourne missed out against Wolves, after he too took a knock in Milton Keynes. Unfortunately, it turns out it was serious - ruled out for the rest of the season, and leaving us very light in that area. 

The injury that forced off Etuhu meant that he too missed the Wolves game, so it was even more satisfying to rack up another priceless victory. 

However, David Flitcroft quickly acquired the loan services of Manchester United's young midfielder Ryan Tunnicliffe, and he would be thrown straight in the following weekend as we travelled south to take on another relegation rival in Bristol City.. 

The less said about the game, the better. Especially so far as our defensive performance goes. I think embarrassing sums it up best. 

After an end to end start to the game, the Robins took a rather fortuitous lead thanks to a Jon Stead header from a corner. 
Fortuitous because, in the second or two before Stead notched, Martin Cranie was elbowed to the face by Liam Fontaine, and Marvin Elliott used Stephen Foster as a step-ladder. The fact that neither were spotted by the officials, nor by any commentator in the aftermath, was laughable. 

Speaking of laughable, that's how I'd describe the comical attempts to stop Bristol's second goal. Keeper Steele, and centre half Cranie made an absolute hash of dealing with a decent ball into the box, allowing Fontaine to volley in for 2-0, this time without using his elbow. Bless. 

Their next 3 goals were all as pathetically defended as the second, and I'm going to move on to our 3 goals. 

The first was given to Tunnicliffe by some, and O'Grady by others. I went with the latter, as it was his initial shot that looked to have crossed the line despite Bristol defenders trying to outdo our defenders in the 'comedy' stakes. 

Following O'Grady, it was two more subs that then also found the net. 

First Tomasz Cywka - smacking one in from 20 yards again after good work from O'Grady. 

Then Jason Scotland, notching his 4th goal as a substitute when rifling home powerfully from the edge of the box. 

It was a game we could, and probably would have won, had we defended merely half decently. 

Luckily, results around us didn't go too badly and so we've got to hope it was a one-off display. 


The squad (minus a few who stayed behind for family reasons) were then on a flight to Spain where Flitcroft reckons they'll spend 4 days 'bonding' and 'training', in warmer climate, as apparently it'll help the lads in the run-in. 

I suppose we'll see how true that is in the next few weeks. But it does concern me slightly, considering the last two occasions they 'trained' in Spain we then suffered a plethora of injuries to key players.. 

Now it's time to preview the big game this weekend, where our visitors to Oakwell are Bolton Wanderers..... 

Similarly to ourselves, the club were founded by a clergyman - The Reverend Thomas Ogden, under the name Christ Church FC, in 1874. 

It was in 1877 that they changed their name to Bolton Wanderers, apparently due to them finding it difficult to find a permanent home ground. 

Bolton were one of the 12 founder members of the Football League, formed in 1888. 

In 1894 they reached their first FA Cup final, but lost 4-1 to Notts County. A decade later they again reached the final, but were again defeated, this time 1-0 against Manchester City. 

It was third time lucky in 1923, as they beat West Ham Utd 2-0 in the first ever final to be held at Wembley (The White Horse Final) in front of 127,000 supporters. 

They won the trophy on two more occasions during the twenties - beating Manchester City in 1926, and Portsmouth in 1929. 

From the thirties through to the sixties, spearheaded by the legendary Nat Lofthouse in the fifties, most supporters see that as their golden era, with an uninterrupted stay in the top flight, and another two FA Cup final appearances. 

In 1953, Bolton met Blackpool in another of the most famous of Wembley finals - The Matthews Final. 
Despite leading the game at 3-1, they lost in the end 4-3, courtesy of the magic of Stanley Matthews, and the goals of Stan Mortensen. 

Bolton lifted the FA Cup for the fourth time in 1958 - Nat Lofthouse's brace enough to see off Manchester United 2-0 at Wembley. 
This was the last major trophy Wanderers won, although they did reach the final of the League Cup in both 1995 and 2004. 

The next thirty years saw a steady decline, with eventual relegation to the fourth tier in 1987. 

They returned to the top flight though, by 1995, and yo-yo'd between that and the second tier until a 12 year stretch in the Premier League that came to an end last season. 

During that period, they recorded numerous top ten finishes under the guidance of Sam Allardyce, and signed many high profile players such as Fredi Bobic, Youri Djorkaeff, Ivan Campo, Nicolas Anelka, El-Hadji Diouf and Jay-Jay Okocha. 

Despite the so-called star players, Bolton gained a rather dubious tag under Allardyce as long ball merchants. 

Bolton marched on nonetheless, into Europe on more than one occasion, and reached the last sixteen of the then UEFA Cup under the stewardship of Gary Megson - beating Red Star Belgrade and Athletico Madrid in the process. 

Legend - Okocha

The current manager at the Reebok Stadium is Dougie Freedman, appointed on the 25th of October last year, replacing Owen Coyle. 

It seemed a strange move at the time, as Freedman was a legend at Crystal Palace, who at that point topped the league. 

His first loan signing as manager was that of former Tarn playmaker Jacob Butterfield, and his first permanent signing was of course our top goalscorer Craig Davies. 

After a mediocre - maybe even poor - start, it seems that Dougie is finally making a positive impact in Lancashire, with the upwardly mobile Wanderers now sitting in 10th position and with an outside shot at the playoffs. 

Craig Davies - The Red

As ever on Tarn Review, I like to get opinions from others as well as forcing my own upon you, and considering Saturday sees Craig Davies return to Oakwell I asked some of my fellow Reds on our own forum what they thought about Davies.... 

Here are a selection of their thoughts: 


"Rated him a lot. Good finisher. Struggled with his first touch when he arrived, but obviously worked hard on improving it as he got better and better during his time here. His performance in the game at Birmingham will live long in the memory. Just a shame that he appeared to be going through the motions for the last month or two. He wanted away and his performances reflected that." 


"It's likely that we'll get the chance to welcome him in whichever way we see fit, as the likelihood is that he will come off the bench. I imagine he'll predominantly get booed. I think I'll abstain. I actually quite liked him whilst he was here, but his attitude was awful at the end and cast the terrible penalty against Birmingham in a different light when we knew he was off. We have actually looked better up front since he left though, but I am expecting him to give our defenders a hard time if he does come on." 


"Overrated in my opinion. He had a great shot when he connected right but he was just as likely to slice or hook it. Poor attitude in the last few months. Didn't bother me when he left, had a feeling he wouldn't be missed because despite his 4 goals at Birmingham he only scored in about 4 games all season." 


"I rated him to begin with and like others have said I thought he was key to our survival however the last couple of months of him being here he may as well not have been on the pitch because he was disinterested and ineffective. His high point this season was the Birmingham away game, his lowest point (in my opinion) was the Birmingham home game. I won't boo him but I won't applaud him either." 


To read more BFC opinions of Craig, click 'HERE'. 

Craig Davies - The Wanderer

Personally, I'm rather pleased that he left. Which may sound strange considering he was our top scorer and chief goal threat at the time of his departure, but the stats don't always paint a perfect picture. 

I was impressed with his debut season at this level. Considering he'd only really scored goals in the fourth tier before joining us in 2011, he made a decent impact. 

After a slow start - hampered by an early injury - he along with Ricardo Vaz Te hit a purple patch late that year, scoring goals for fun and most were of an outstanding nature. The last minute winner away at Peterborough - latching onto a Butterfield through-ball, before smacking it into the far top corner from 20 yards - will live long in the memory. 

However, the January loss of both Butterfield and Vaz Te affected the team badly, and nobody more than Davies, who without his playmakers looked an often lost and forlorn figure up top or out wide. 

This season he set off like a train. His abysmal first touch looked to have improved a fair bit, and at last the ball was beginning to stick to, rather than bounce off him. 

The key for me though, was the signing of Jacob Mellis, who's industry in an attacking midfield role again provided Davies with the ammunition. Not to forget the graft offered alongside him by Chris Dagnall. 

Again, once Mellis suffered an injury, and Dagnall was dropped by former boss Keith Hill, Davies looked impotent. With nobody to do his work for him, nobody creating his chances, he cut a frustrated figure and in his last 10 games or so we may as well have played with 10 men. 

The fact that since he departed for pastures new we've looked a far better side going forward, says everything. 
I wouldn't say he was lazy, but he wasn't a worker. He was selfish, which can be a good thing for a striker, but not at the risk of costing your team priceless points. 

We've seen a very different Dagnall and Harewood, too. They've struck up a partnership where hard work and unselfish play is paying dividends. 
Added to that we've now got O'Grady and Scotland, and you'd be hard pushed trying to find a Tarn supporter who'd suggest we're worse off. 

I thank Craig for his efforts whilst here. I have fond memories of him. But he wanted to move to a bigger club on undoubtedly a better financial package and good luck to him. No qualms at all, we've moved on. 

I've done as I usually do in these preview articles, and popped over to get the thoughts from our visitors ahead of the game. 

This time that took me to the popular Bolton forum 'Wanderers Ways' where the 'Trotters' gave me the lowdown on their season, their manager and of course the game on Saturday... 

Here's what they had to say: 



HOW'S THE SEASON GONE FOR YOU? 


"Not great but we're showing signs of improvement." 

"Worse than expected, a lot of time wasted sticking with Coyle then giving Freedman time to sort out the wreckage." 

"A little worse than expected. I didn't expect us to destroy the league like others but have been surprised at how **** we've been at points." 


DOUGIE FREEDMAN - RIGHT MAN? 


"I like him. I'm confident we'll go back up next season." 

"Yes. Settled now and put the emphasis on being solid and playing as a team." 

"He's starting to get his messages through though it's taken a while." 

"Yes. It will take time but I think he can do very well for us." 


YOUR KEY PLAYERS? 


"Depends which Bolton turn up!" 

"Mark Davies, Chung Yong Lee, and maybe even Craig Davies." 

"Craig Dawson - if you're not careful he'll cause lots of problems at set-pieces." 

"Dawson's a major threat at set-pieces, otherwise Mark Davies in his best role just behind the strikers, can do damage." 


JACOB BUTTERFIELD & CRAIG DAVIES - THOUGHTS? 


"Butterfield didn't get enough chances to do himself justice. Davies certainly isn't subtle, but has a goal in him." 

"Butterfield didn't get much playing time. I like the look of Davies." 

"Butterfield had one decent game but in his defence, he only spent a month here. Davies looks decent, I think he'll do well with us." 


YOUR THOUGHTS ON US? 


"Don't have any really. Seem to be doing well under Flitcroft. Hope you lot stay up at the expense of Wolves." 

"Hard working side who are improving under Flitcroft." 

"As someone who lives in Rochdale and watches them quite a bit, I've had an eye out for you since Hill and Flitcroft went there. Hope you stay up, but it's a tough ask. Could be a good move giving Flitcroft his head though, he's not daft." 

"Not looking good but this league is full of surprises." 

"Hope you stay up. With the exception of one year in the Premier League and one or two in the third tier, Barnsley have been the benchmark/acid test club at this level since about 1981." 


OUR KEY PLAYERS? 


"Chris Dagnall." 

"The Dagnall/O'Grady combo was brilliant for Rochdale, if they get the service they work well together." 

"Scotland scores goals at this level so he could be dangerous. Perkins seems useful as well." 

"I'm going to say Mellis." 


ARE YOU COMING TO OAKWELL, SCORE PREDICTION? 


"Yep, predict it to be very messy, 3-1 Bolton." 

"Yes. 2-1 Bolton." 

"Can't get across unfortunately but think there'll be goals, maybe 3-2 to us." 

"Disproportionate number of draws vs Barnsley over the years, this'll be another, 2-2." 



*A big thumbs up to the Bolton lot who helped put this part of the article together, and I wish all those who are travelling over on Saturday a very safe journey. 

This weekend, so far as history between the two clubs, something has to give. In the 36 previous encounters, there have been 12 draws, and 12 victories apiece. 'Head to Head' 

WHITEY'S FINAL THOUGHTS... 



I think the acid test I've mentioned in previous articles has finally arrived for David Flitcroft, his players and the supporters. 

The inevitable defeat occurred last time out, and whilst it was hard to watch for the most part, it was refreshing to see the fanbase still united as one. 

However, should we lose this weekend too, that unity, that belief among the whole club needs to remain. There is no point whatsoever - after coming this far - in wallowing in negativity, and petty squabbles. 

Nobody in football, when Keith Hill was sacked and we were cast adrift, rooted to the foot of the table would have predicted the absolute turnaround in our fortunes since that day. 

We're two points clear of the bottom three, with a game in hand on some of our rivals. Never mind the bollocks - this task, the goal of retaining our status as the longest serving second tier club, it's in OUR hands. 

I firmly believe in these players, this management team, and that we'll be a Championship club next season.. 


My only worry is that the Manchester City tie has caused some to lose focus. 

Yes it's going to be a wonderful day out, and a chance to further enhance our reputation as giant-killers. But we've bigger games than that to play, starting Saturday against Bolton. 

If I was Flitcroft, I'd be warning the players who wish to run out for us at Eastlands (Etihad my arse) that in order to stand a chance of doing so, I want to see performances that merit it. 
Earn your right to be a hero. Don't expect it. 

So I hope to see a fired-up and fully focussed Barnsley side this weekend. 

Let's go into the FA Cup Quarter Final on the back of another league victory, eh? 

We can but hope/dream.... 

So far as team selection goes, I think it's about time Bobby Hassell was back in the defence (in whatever position) on a more regular basis. We look a lot more solid when he starts, and along with Jacob Mellis I find it somewhat bizarre that they're ignored so often. 

Perhaps Etuhu may come back into contention, and the impacts made by Cywka, O'Grady and Scotland last weekend will have given Flitcroft food for thought. 

Whoever he goes with will get my full support however. Now isn't the time to start bashing individuals. As I say, we've come this far as one - together. 




That's about it for this week. 

Once more I'd like to thank those from Bolton who answered my questions, and likewise the Tarn supporters on 'The BBS' forum. 


Remember, you can follow me 'HERE' on twitter where I'll keep you updated on any further musings on all things BFC.. 


UP THE TARN! 

FA CUP PREVIEW

After another priceless victory in the Championship last weekend away at Middlesbrough, the Reds have the welcome distraction of the FA Cup this Saturday as we head south for Milton Keynes, in a 5th Round clash with the MK Dons. 

Around 4,000 Tarn supporters are expected to make the journey, hoping to cheer on the boys to victory and into a potentially lucrative Quarter Final meeting with a Premier League giant. 

It's difficult not to get ahead of ourselves, considering the fine form we're currently witnessing from David Flitcroft's rejuvenated Reds. 

But the FA Cup doesn't take form or reputations into consideration, and our opponents tomorrow are no mugs as they've already shown in dispatching of our friends from S6, and Harry Redknapp's Queens Park Rangers in previous rounds of this years competition. 

But it's an exciting time to be a Tarn supporter, and after a nightmarish 2012, I think the fans, the town and everyone connected with Barnsley FC deserve to dream of things we were told were 'impossible'. 

The 'adventure' continues...

Milton Keynes Dons were formed in 2004 out of the ashes of former FA Cup winners Wimbledon. 

After initially using the National Hockey Stadium in the town, the club have played their home fixtures since 2007 at the purpose built 'Stadium MK' in Buckinghamshire. 

Initially, the club claimed the history of Wimbledon as it's own, but from 2007 they've since stated they're a new club. 

The Dons have spent their 5 year history in the lower leagues, and currently sit 12th in League One, 10 points off the playoffs. 

They won the League Two title in 2008, and lifted the Football League Trophy, beating Grimsby Town 2-0 at Wembley in the final. 

Current players Dean Lewington and David Martin are the only players remaining from the Wimbledon era, although the latter has had a spell at Liverpool in between. 

Izale McLeod has scored more goals for the club than anyone else - 54 - and after a rather nomadic few years he's recently returned to Milton Keynes on a free transfer. 

The Dons have had 6 managers since their formation, including former Reds legend Danny Wilson, the outspoken Martin Allen, and Roberto Di Matteo who last season guided Chelsea to European glory. 

The current incumbent is Karl Robinson, who when appointed in May of 2010 was the youngest manager in the Football League at 29 years of age. 

As of the 12th of February this year, he has a win percentage of 46.67% from 150 games in charge. 

Former Barnsley lad Antony Kay joined The Dons last Summer, but the maker of 174 appearances for Tarn is suspended for this weekends clash. 

Other notable players currently plying their trade at Stadium MK - former Leeds and Manchester United man Alan Smith, another former Red Devil in winger Luke Chadwick, and a plethora of ex Sheffield Wednesday stars including Jon Otsemebor, Darren Potter, Chris Lines and Ryan Lowe. 

Stadium MK was opened in 2007 by the Queen. 

It's situated in the Denbigh district of Milton Keynes and is often referred to locally as the 'Denbigh Stadium'. 

It is an all seater stadium with a capacity of 22,000, with further plans to increase that capacity by another 10,000 seats at the end of this season. 

For travel details, how to get in and out etc, I suggest clicking the following link - Football Ground Guides (Stadium MK). 

Former Red Antony Kay is suspended

Back in the Summer of 2004, we were the first competitive opponents for the newly branded MK Dons. I was in attendance myself, and the main memory I have of that day was the scorching heat. I also recall debuts for many of our players, none more so than that of one Bobby Hassell, who has gone on to earn legendary status since, and is obviously the only remaining Barnsley player from that red hot day at the National Hockey Stadium. 

Here's a match report of the game, courtesy of the Guardian - MK Dons Vs Barnsley 2004. 

The Dons will be without Ryan Lowe (on loan from Sheffield Wednesday) who along with Antony Kay sits out the final game of a suspension. 

Recent recruit Izale McLeod is cup-tied after featuring already for Portsmouth in the competition. 


Possible lineup: Martin, Otsemebor, MacKenzie, Williams, Lewington, Powell, Potter, Harley, Chadwick, Smith, Bowditch. 




The referee for the tie is Premier League regular Michael Jones. 

The 44 year old from Chester is probably most well-known for allowing then Sunderland striker Darren Bent's goal to stand against Liverpool, despite the ball taking a huge deflection off a beach ball thrown onto the pitch by Liverpool supporters. 

He was fourth official in last years FA Cup final. 

He's taken charge of 22 matches this season, dishing out 65 bookings and 2 red cards. 

Michael Jones booking a familiar face

Despite a pretty busy period, it's refreshing to see an almost fully fit squad at Flicker's disposal, with only Stephen Dawson a long term injury victim. 

There was however an update on Mad Dog's progress this week, where the manager admitted he was struggling to temper Dawson's enthusiasm for a quick return. Despite the Irishman's claim that he's only 2 weeks away from a comeback, Flicker says it's more likely to be 4 weeks, but that he's progressing well. 

I think a lot of us expected him to dip into the loan market to cover for Dawson's loss, but the form of Kelvin Etuhu in central midfield has put paid to that. It seems that like Chris Dagnall, Martin Cranie, Tom Kennedy and Marlon Harewood before him, Kelvin is a different player since Flicker took the reins at Oakwell. 

In fact, after decent performances against Burnley and Leeds United I suppose you could add Jimmy McNulty to that list. And so it's pleasing to see the defender back in contention after missing the last couple of weeks through injury. We're certainly not short of options ahead of tomorrow. 

I don't think Reuben Noble-Lazarus will be risked, though. The 19 year old starlet has been suffering with a niggle lately and perhaps this game comes a week too soon for him. 
It was however great to hear that the lad had signed a new contract this week, a deal which ties him down until the Summer of 2015. 

Jacob Mellis could start tomorrow

With a vital league clash to come on Tuesday at Oakwell with relegation rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers, I wouldn't be surprised to see one or two changes to the starting lineup tomorrow in Milton Keynes. 

The likes of Hassell and McNulty could be in contention, and perhaps that gives Flicker the opportunity to rest Stephen Foster and Rory Delap. 

I think Jacob Mellis has been unlucky of late not to be starting, and again, perhaps that gives the manager a chance to give Jim O'Brien a bit of a breather. 

Then there's the forwards. You wouldn't drop either of Dagnall or Harewood normally, but maybe Jason Scotland could be rewarded for his goalscoring exploits from the bench. 

I think Flicker will welcome these selection headaches. 


Personally, I'd make just two changes - Hassell for Foster, Mellis for O'Brien. 

But I'm more than confident that whoever the manager selects will have enough to see off an average League One side. 

That's your lot for this edition of the blog, and so I'll wish everyone travelling down to Buckinghamshire tomorrow a safe and prosperous journey. 

I hope to see Oakwell rocking on Tuesday night, too, in what is in my opinion the biggest game so far this season. Although I'm sure there will be plenty more that surpass it for importance as we edge towards the seasons end. 

We've still got everybody's favourite away day to come... as we make the short trip over to Sheffield at the end of next month, and the season finale at Huddersfield in May just got a whole lot more interesting with their appointment of former Reds gaffer Mark Robins. 

As I've already said, it's exciting being a Tarn supporter again. 

All aboard the 'adventure'. 

Wow. 


UP THE TARN!

A FLICKER OF HOPE?

In charge at Oakwell for just over a month if we're including his initial stint as caretaker manager, David 'Flicker' Flitcroft I feel has well and truly won over the majority of Barnsley supporters, myself included. 

I am typing this directly after another victory, whilst helping myself to a rather large helping of pie - of the HUMBLE variety! 


We've just completed our third victory of an incredible week, which has seen us close the gap on our relegation rivals, progress into the next round of the FA Cup, and plenty of activity in the transfer window. 

It's never dull following the Tarn... 




The incredible seven days began in Humberside where the reds dumped Hull City out of the FA Cup, thanks to a Chris Dagnall effort. 
Unlike most of the performances seen thus far under Flicker, it was a scrappy affair, and a more battling Barnsley display, largely inspired by the returning Bobby Hassell. 

Recent target for the boo-boys, Scott Wiseman also made his return to action that day, and was given a decent reception from the travelling reds supporters as relations between both parties improved. 

As ever, I went into Sunday praying for a glamour tie in the next round. But as ever, I was left disappointed as we were drawn away at the franchisers, MK Dons.. 

But on reflection, it's a very winnable tie. And then, we're just a game away from another Wembley trip. 

Daggers did for Hull

It was back to league action on the Tuesday, as the reds entertained Millwall under the floodlights of Oakwell. 

The day previous, Flicker had made his first signing of the January transfer window by snapping up experienced striker Jason Scotland on a six month contract, recently released by fellow Championship strugglers Ipswich Town. 

The man from Trinidad had to settle for a place on the bench, as did both Hassell and Wiseman, as Flicker brought back Stephen Foster into central defence and recalled young John Stones at right wing-back. 

The first half saw another spirited, battling display from the reds, but the Millwall rearguard were rarely troubled. 

However, the reds came out all guns blazing after the break with the lively Jim O'Brien and David Perkins very much to the fore. And it was the sheer endeavour of the former which proved the catalyst for the opening goal. A throw in earned by O'Brien after closing down Millwall keeper David Forde eventually found Perkins who found Marlon Harewood just outside the box and his prodded through-ball released Dagnall who had timed his run to perfection before clipping the ball past the advancing Forde to send the Ponty End delirious. 

This was Dagnall's fourth goal in as many games - never thought I'd ever get the chance to type that! 

Soon after, Harewood's decent shift was ended as he was replaced to warm applause by new man Scotland. And within ninety seconds or so of being introduced the former Swansea City top scorer made the perfect impact. 

After a great 30 yard run into midfield, Perkins released the ball into Scotland's path, and from just inside the Millwall box he controlled it immaculately before rifling it into the roof of the net to make it 2-0 Barnsley. 


It was another victory, and another clean sheet - three from three at Oakwell since the departure of Keith Hill. And as he used to say, "clean sheets are King..." 

The power of Scotland

Two days later though, and the optimism built up among the fanbase diminished slightly as Everton won the race to sign Stones in a deal thought to be worth up to £3,000,000. 

It's hard not to be downbeat though, as it's every January that we're robbed of our supposed 'star' players. But at least on this occasion the club appear to have got somewhere close to a decent fee. 

In an ideal world we'd not be selling the boy, or we'd ask for a ridiculous price and see what happens. But there's nothing ideal about the world that Barnsley FC finds itself in right now. Like it or not, we're in a real battle to avoid the dreaded drop into the lower leagues, and we haven't the finances or attendances to turn down good money. Good money that will go a long way to balancing the books at Oakwell whether we retain our second tier status or not. 

Also, taking off my rose-tinted spectacles for a moment, we're talking about an 18 year old kid here. An 18 year old kid who has played something like 25 games for us over a short period of time. I'm not trying to downplay John's ability, his talent, but imagine we'd turned down the offers, and like Jacob Butterfield last season he picks up a season-ending injury... 

Imagine he never gets himself back to the same level of performance. We all remember how things ended for Luke Potter don't we? Another highly-rated product of our Academy who was forced to retire after a succession of serious injuries. 
I'm not saying a similar fate will or would have affected Stonesy, but I'm sure the decision makers at Oakwell had this - and other things - in mind. 

Then there's what the boy wanted. And by all accounts he wanted to leave, he felt the chance to go to a big Premier League club was a chance he couldn't turn down. And who can blame him? A five and a half year contract on undoubtedly good money was probably a factor, too. 

Football is a risky business. I only ask that my club does it's best in these particular instances to get the best for itself and it's fanbase. 
Far too many deals in recent times have favoured anybody but BFC. And it's certainly a key factor in our declining attendances. 

I'm quite satisfied with the Stones deal, so long as there actually is a sell-on clause, and we get first dibs on any potential loan away from Goodison Park for the lad in the future. 

Good luck to Stonesy at Everton

It was also quite refreshing to see an almost universal feeling of pride among the Tarn fans in reaction to young John's departure. Far too often when we lose a player there's a feeling of angst which seems to develop into something bitter. 

Of course, there have been a few players who have left Oakwell on a sour note and to me they're fair game. I'm looking at you Jason Shackell, and you Daniel Bogdanovic. 

But when a young lad progresses through the ranks at our club and ends up being the standout player, I'd suggest they're entitled to do what they think is best for their career and their family at the time. It's not for us to say whether they were right or wrong, as we're not privy to everything that goes on behind the scenes. 

I just hope that in a few months time, if Stonesy isn't making the Everton first team, or he ends up on loan to a different Championship club, we retain this feeling of pride. Proud that another product of our Academy did well for us whilst here and in turn earned the club good money. 

The Mido experiment came to an end at last

Other Oakwell departures this week, included the expected mutual termination of Egyptian striker Mido's contract. 
Brought in last Summer as our 'marquee' signing, he leaves now making the impression that 99% of football saw coming a mile off.. 


Another player whose contract was cut short this week was that of Lee Collins. The only player that we paid a fee for this season found his chances to be few and far between, and so it's hard to judge his time here. But I wish him all the best in his future career. 

We all said goodbye - for the time being - to Matty Done, who has joined Scottish Premier League outfit Hibernian on loan until the end of the season. Good luck to the lad up there, and hopefully he regains some of the ability he showed in patches last season. 


As for further incomings, we finally got our man, as our long invested interest in Chris O'Grady bore fruit as Flicker captured the big centre forward from rivals Sheffield Wednesday on loan until May. 

The replacement for John Stones seems to be Irish international and long throw specialist Rory Delap. At 36 he's no spring chicken, but I'm sure his experience and versatility will aid us in our fight for survival (and a Wembley outing). 

The final piece of business - for now - was the 18 month deal handed to 21 year old defender Andrai Jones. I know absolutely nothing about the lad, other than what I've read online, but I'm guessing he's another one of these 'developmental' players that we 'may' see in the future, ala Toni Silva, John Rooney etc. 

With the loan window reopening shortly, I expect Flicker to strengthen still further. 

Fingers crossed all of his recruits make a similar impact to that made by Jason Scotland... 

Andrai Jones

And so we come to today, and our pleasurable day out in Blackpool. 

The reds made just the one change, with the incoming Delap replacing the outgoing Stones, while there were places on the bench for Scotland and O'Grady. 

I was unable to attend the game as I'm currently in the middle of moving house so I had to rely on the commentary from Barnsley Player, wonderfully provided by Matt Bailey and Adam Brammer, as always. 

By the sounds of it we were second best for much of the game but our defence again held firm and we took our chances when they arose. 

The sending off of Blackpool keeper Matt Gilks proved costly for the hosts, as at that point of the game there seemed only one winner. 

The reds took the lead through Jim O'Brien, assisted yet again by Marlon Harewood who was bizarrely booed upon his return to Bloomfield Road. 

The hosts equalised early in the second half, that man Tom Ince with his latest goal in a remarkable season. 

The introductions of O'Grady and then Scotland made a difference for us, and it was the latter who went on to grab a late winner at the second attempt, for his second goal from the bench in successive outings. 

Interestingly (or not), the last Trinidadian striker we had - Clint Marcelle - also scored on his home, and away debuts. 

Let's hope he also one day fires us to the big time, eh? 

An illuminating victory well celebrated

Considering another Championship matchday where results weren't exactly in our favour, this latest victory could prove to be as massive as that club down the road.. 

It's been a dream start for Flicker, ably assisted by Mickey Mellon and Martin Scott, and the squad of players have certainly being reinvigorated this year. I pray that this upturn in form and results proves to be more than a purple patch, and that come the end of the season we're still a Championship club, and one that's taken in another Wembley outing... or two! 

Remember you can follow me 'HERE' on twitter, where I'll keep you posted with regards to any further updates. 

Thanks for reading, and if you're one of the many Tarn supporters who have chosen to stay away for whatever reason, it would be great to see you back down on Grove Street and getting behind your club. 

Up The Tarn!