As we've played 22 league games, and we're four months into the season, I thought I'd take a look back at the season so far and assess each player and their performances over that period. I'll be marking their efforts out of ten, unsurprisingly. Like a half-term report at school. Mine used to be awful.
"Andrew's a very intelligent boy who could achieve anything, unfortunately his aggressive, negative and disruptive attitude is affecting both his and his classmates' development."
I now live the actual dream and work in food production, so yeah, take that, Miss Sinclair.
Please feel free to add your own ratings, and anything else you like (within reason) in the comments section at the bottom of the page.
ROSS TURNBULL
After injury delayed his second reds debut, the former Chelsea keeper had to wait until the end of September to show us what he could do. He's been average in my opinion so far. Some excellent saves away at Sheffield United and Rochdale proved key to both victories and deserved clean sheets. Conversely, he's made mistakes too, some more costly than others. The early goal Bradford scored didn't matter in the end, the first Notts County goal however, was the starting point for their improbable comeback.
I'm not at all sure he's recovered in full from that pre-season injury issue with his back. His movement/mobility befits that of a much older keeper and his kicking leaves a lot to be desired. If indeed the injury is being managed and not yet been cured, then I suppose that would answer a few of his critics. He certainly has some. But then, so did Luke Steele. Neither of our current keepers are an improvement on Luke in my opinion, but in our very average season so far I wouldn't class the number one position as cause for concern.
Key Moment: That save from McNulty at Bramall Lane.
Rating: 6/10.
ADAM DAVIES
The 22 year old stopper arrived on a free after leaving Sheffield Wednesday where he'd previously worked with reds keeper coach, Mark Crossley, and despite never having played a minute of first team football, he was thrust into action from the get go after Turnbull's injury. Much more mobile than his competitor, but struggled with shots from distance. However, other than a very poor day against MK Dons he's done little wrong for me considering his lack of experience and I see little between our two men wearing the gloves.
Key Moment: Had a fantastic game at Yeovil and was denied a deserved clean sheet as the reds were pegged back courtesy of Martin Cranie's own goal.
Rating: 6/10.
REECE BROWN
Following a short trial in the summer, the former Manchester United youngster left Watford for Oakwell and despite being a centre half he had to fill in for us early in the season at right back. He did this with limited success, as his impressive forward runs and assists were outweighed by the continual backing off from his winger, punished on more than one occasion and leaving reds supporters wondering if we'll ever find another decent right back.
Has some terrific attributes for a defender. Pace, a good size and can pass the ball well. But he seems loathe to put challenges in and is the latest in a long line of reds defenders who can't mark up for toffee.
He's had little game time in recent weeks and as it stands he's got a massive job on in attempting to regain a first team position.
Key Moment: Awful marking/defending at the far post as Notts County robbed us at Oakwell.
Rating: 4/10.
MARTIN CRANIE
Our captain this season, his third year at Oakwell and so far he's struggled to shine for us often enough as yet again our goals against column makes for grim reading. Often shunted around the back four, and once or twice deployed in a deep-lying midfield role, 'Cranes' looks likely to be one of those reds players who once departed we'll look back on more fondly than not but with a feeling we never quite got what we'd hoped for.
There's no doubt in my mind that he's a talent. A footballing centre half. He's not soft either, he can compete in a tackle or aerial duel, but his habit of going walkabout frustrates me. And - like most of our defenders - he has that awful tendency to go backwards when faced up by an opponent.
I thought he'd leave in the summer, but the Blackpool move didn't come off, and so I expected him to prove once and for all how good he could be for us, a level lower down. It's not worked out like that. I'm staggered however that he's not been positioned in midfield all season considering our lightweight options in there otherwise.
Key Moment: His first reds goal away at Crewe. Fantoastic.
Rating: 6/10.
LEWIN NYATANGA
After a rather sketchy season last year, Lewin has been an almost ever present for us this time around but again forms part of a very porous defence. However, for me he's been our best performing defender so far and also chipped in with a couple of goals at the other end. He's a centre half, but has also played out wide this term and his performance against Bradford at Oakwell was probably his best in a long time, playing out there at left back.
Still only 26, but out of contract this June, I'd be looking to extend his contract into at least another year with the club. I think, and it might sound daft considering the amount of goals we've conceded, that we'd be hard pushed trying to find a better pairing at this level than Nyatanga and Peter Ramage. And with the young defenders coming through, Lewin and Peter are great mentors for them as well as valuable members of the first team setup.
Key Moment: His fantastic cross in for Sam Winnall to put us ahead against Bradford.
Rating: 8/10.
PETER RAMAGE
His second season at Oakwell on loan from Palace, the affable geordie at 31 years old offers this very youthful looking reds side the experience it certainly needs. A fully committed, no nonsense centre half, 'Rambo' has recently extended that loan until the seasons end and he will be hoping to help lead the club towards the top end of the table.
A warrior always, but not without his mistakes. Struggles to stay fit too, which isn't ideal, but I've absolutely no problem with our options at centre half. There's very little between all three of Ramage, Nyatanga and Cranie. And I may as well repeat myself by suggesting our issues at the back are caused more by the soft centre of our midfield than the ability or lack of, of our centre halves.
Key Moment: Rising to power home a header on his second reds debut away at Rochdale.
Rating: 6/10.
JEAN-YVES M'VOTO
The big French centre half was used quite often once Danny Wilson returned as manager last season, and I expected him to figure a lot this term at the level he made his name in for Oldham. But his appearances have been limited by injuries, and I'm assuming his performances in training. He's so far featured in five games for us this season, four of them defeats with the other being the 0-0 draw at Fleetwood. Hardly inspiring.
The lad has pace, power and is terrific in the air. But he's the most difficult centre half I've ever had to watch. I mean that by how nervous he makes me. I shít myself whenever he's near the ball. Maybe Danny feels similarly? Either way, like Brown I can't see Big Jean being a reds player much longer.
Key Moment: For once he was punished unfairly as the ref gave Port Vale a harsh penalty.
Rating: 5/10.
JOE DUDGEON
He's since returned to parent club Hull City, but loanee left back Joe Dudgeon was a regular feature for us in the first half of the season and so I see it only fair to rate his time here too.
Plagued by injury for the last couple of years, I think this was make or break for Joe in terms of him continuing his football career. And certainly when fit he gave a good account of himself. But whenever we had a three game week, his performance levels suffered and he looked a shadow of the player I saw put in sterling performances such as the display at Bramall Lane where he had Campbell-Ryce in his pocket all afternoon.
Key Moment: Made a superb, last ditch sliding interception at Bramall Lane to deny the Blunts an undeserved equaliser in a man of the match showing.
Rating: 6/10.
JAMES BREE
We saw James make his debut in last seasons dead rubber final game at home to QPR as a 16 year old, and this season he's continued to progress and made 13 first team appearances, most of them starts and been quite impressive to say the least.
Currently missing through injury, it's worth looking at his last seven appearances.
Rochdale, Oldham, Bradford, Peterborough, Notts County, Sheff Utd and Colchester.
He's appeared in most of our best performances. I look forward to his return and continuing to enjoy watching his rapid development.
Key Moment: Eaden-esque cross that was dispatched by Cole on the volley at Posh.
Rating: 8/10.
MASON HOLGATE
The injury to Bree opened the door for fellow academy product Holgate, who having recently turned 18 made his debut in a man of the match display against Doncaster at Oakwell.
A centre half by trade, but operating for the first team so far at right back, there are echoes of John Stones about the lad. It's very early days for him but he's slotted in seamlessly so far and it's no surprise that his name has been linked with Stones' club amongst others already.
Comfortable on the ball, good speed for a defender and strong in the air. Again, I'm looking forward to watching the lad develop, another off the production line.
Key Moment: At Chester in the cup, he made a fantastic headed clearance inside his own box under pressure. A minute later, he was involved in creating the opportunity for Jennings to make it 2-0 at the other end.
Rating: 8/10.
LUKE BERRY
Signed in the summer from Cambridge, 22 year old Luke has been one of Danny's main men so far this season, often in a position foreign to him after playing in a more adventurous role at the Abbey Stadium. He's definitely what is now fashionable to deem a 'work in progress'. His level of performance fluctuates, and he can be very wasteful in possession. But he never gives less than 100% and does a lot of work that goes unnoticed by those fans among us who want our central midfielders to play like a Matt Le Tissier/Patrick Vieira hybrid.
He's been a good signing in my book. I'm still of the belief that he'd be more effective in a more attacking role, but so far so good for the lad. He has played a hell of a lot of games for us though, caused by our limited options in central midfield and the poor form of those limited options we do have. Danny took him out for a couple of weeks in late September, and he came back all the better for that rest. I expect similar is around the corner as the kid certainly seems tired at present.
Key Moment: Rochdale away. He bossed the game from the centre of the park.
Rating: 7/10.
JAMES BAILEY
It's not been a great few years for Bailey, once tipped for big things after breaking onto the scene with Crewe and then Derby. Injuries have set back his career some way and his start to his reds career has been ordinary to say the least.
A very comfortable lad with the ball, but far too comfortable for my liking without the ball. If you're playing just ahead of the back four in that holding role, you've to show much more defensive ability than I think James is capable of. It's my opinion he's better served further forward, similar to Berry really where his passing could hurt teams.
Lost his place recently, but his replacements don't really pull up many trees either. I do though think his appearances will be either less frequent once Danny delves into the market for midfielders, or that he'll be utilized further forward.
Played just twice for Derby last season, so you have to expect some sort of adjustment and settling back in etc, but he was a regular in this very division two years ago, playing 37 times on loan for a struggling Coventry City.
Key Moment: Gave a soft free kick away at Posh which was thumped into the top corner and was red carded the same afternoon.
Rating: 6/10.
PAUL DIGBY
As with M'Voto, I expected this to be the perfect time for Digby to make a first team spot his own. But alas, it hasn't happened. Another one whose career has been blighted by injury, he looks to have lost any pace he might have had prior to those setbacks. His lack of mobility is frightening for such a young lad, and it sees him under pressure far too often. However, he's still got great range with his passing and is regularly selected for the England U20 squad. It's far too early to write him off, but I suspect a loan spell away from Oakwell could do him the world of good, much as it did with Jennings last season.
Key Moment: Dwelling on the ball which contributed to our horror show against MK Dons.
Rating: 5/10.
BRAD ABBOTT
Just turned 20, Abbott has found chances few and far between this season, much like Digby, despite featuring very early on in the season and doing quite well in a deeper midfield role. He seems very similar to Berry and Bailey in terms of what he offers the side. In other words, he's quite a pretty player but lacks physicality and either the pace to be a threat going forward, or the defensive qualities required to play in the engine room.
Another work in progress, another lad I won't be writing off.
Key Moment: Was fantastic on debut in August as we trounced Gillingham at Oakwell.
Rating: 6/10.
CONOR HOURIHANE
Arriving in the summer from League Two Plymouth where he played in a deeper midfield role, the Irishman has operated in a more offensive role here at Oakwell and with unparallelled success. He reached double figures for both goals and assists by the end of November. I can't think of a midfielder for us who has made such an immediate impact at the club.
There are some amongst us who expect more though, bizarrely. They expect him to run around like an imbecile (Perkins), to get stuck in whether by hook or by crook (Dawson) and to boss games throughout (dunno).
Of course he lacks things. He often drifts in and out of games, spends far too much time on the periphery of games we're struggling in. But come on. He's 23 years old. He's made a big move up in terms of football and in terms of location. And he's got 11 goals and as many assists, as well as a hand in many of our other goals scored this season. If he was as good as folk expect him to be in a defensive manner too, he'd be one of the best footballers in England and you'd be whingeing that he's leaving us because he's greedy etc.
It's been a brilliant four months for Conor. We'd be in a pickle without his contributions and I will continue to enjoy watching him perform for us. He's played every minute of every game this season in all competitions. Kudos, young man.
Key Moment: The day he signed.
Rating: 10/10.
KEITH TREACY
He's not quite at Mido's level for fitness issues, but he's hardly a shining example to young footballers. Ladies and gents, for every quality Irish signing, we get a shít one. I give you Keith Treacy.
One of our 'marquee' summer recruits, Keith has been trying to get fit for four months now, but a wedding and Christmas got in the way. The fact he actually felt ill on Boxing Day and had to pull out of the squad was too good for fanzine writers to be true.
A talented footballer he is. I've seen him over the years and always been impressed with his ability to beat men and deliver well from out wide. We've seen little of that though in a reds shirt. He's been 'the' big disappointment for us this season in my opinion and has five months left to salvage a career at any kind of respectable level. Make me eat my words, Keith.
Key Moment: That Boxing Day illness.
Rating: 3/10.
DALE JENNINGS
Our other winger, our other fat fighter. I hate having to refer to it, but it's been such a common theme for this club now for years. We seem to employ so many players who are 'not quite match fit' or in other words, a lot of workshy footballers. The worse thing about it? We make excuses for it/them and have had to watch these players lumber around the pitch.
Unlike Treacy however, Dale has shown us once again in flashes that he's quality and worth the perseverance. He's also just 22 years of age and contracted to the club until next year. So if he's learning, improving and he's aware of the issues he faces then that's great.
After another opening day red card, his season has been one of frustration, troubled by fitness and injury issues and he's missed large chunks of the campaign already. But he's been back playing regularly now for a month or so and his recent performances are more like we expected of him as he gets into some kind of physical shape. Let's see how long it lasts though..
Key Moment: The solo goal at Chester reminded us all of the talent he possesses.
Rating: 5/10.
DEVANTE COLE
He's recently returned to Manchester, but Devante proved a big hit on loan for us from City, scoring goals, exciting us with his pace and trickery and frustrating us with his lack of strength. He definitely goes back to the Etihad a better player, and I'm happy to have seen the lad take his first step up the ladder as a professional.
Big shoes to fill, and hopefully Alex Kiwomya can step into them and have the same kind of impact. Speed kills.
Key Moment: That goal at Posh. Summat else, that.
Rating: 8/10.
KANE HEMMINGS
It's not been the best of starts for Kane at Oakwell. Struggled to hold down a regular spot up front and when given an opportunity he's flattered to deceive in the main. All three of his goals have been quality finishes of differing types and he's been involved in creating chances/goals for others. But he often lacks the application we like to see from our forwards at Barnsley and I think that and his missed 'sitters' in games recently has given his critics all the ammo they need.
He's 22 years old though, and was last playing for Cowdenbeath. I think he deserves supporting myself, not lynching. It was a gamble, an educated one by Danny considering the year he'd had in Scotland but if it doesn't come off we've lost nowt.
Key Moment: Superb assist for Hourihane against Orient, defence splitter.
Rating: 5/10.
LEROY LITA
The big summer signing, a proven goalscorer at this level and above, a lad who Danny knows better than most, and a striker who has just two goals to his name so far this season, way back on the 16th and 19th of August.
Another one we were told was unfit, needed to be patient with, etc etc. He's been a regular selection of late thanks to the departure of Cole and the injury to Winnall, and despite his much improved best efforts, he's failed to deliver the goods and only Treacy has disappointed me more this season. Woeful.
Key Moment: Still waiting for one.
Rating: 4/10.
SAM WINNALL
Our latest striker signing from feeder club Scunny started slowly, then caught fire before being taken out. It's been an eventful first season at Barnsley so far for Sam, and he's currently got cult hero status which is quite wonderful considering some of the stick he was taking early doors.
His first goal didn't come until the end of August, and then he had to wait until October for his next one as well as enduring four games on the bench. But that second goal at Bradford seemed to light something inside him, as his endeavour and workrate was now complimented by a glut of goals where almost everything he touched went into the net, some of the finishes top notch to boot.
People point to numerous things when citing the reasons for our drop in form over the last month or so. I point at Sam. He's been a huge loss for us. Our focal point, our talisman, in much the same way O'Grady was for us last season. The fact he's come across brilliantly off the pitch too is a bonus. Getting him back soon will be like having a new signing. A new striker. One with 9 goals in 21 appearances to his name. Wild, wild, wild....
Key Moment: THAT goal at THAT shíthole. "We Signed Sam Winnall, Sam Winnall...
Rating: 10/10.
The likes of Nana, Cowgill, Oates, McHale, Noble-Lazarus and George Williams have all made brief appearances but I feel loathe to try and rate them at this stage.
Thanks for reading.
You Reds
Whitey
'Love Barnsley, Hate Football'
