PAUL Reid captained Barnsley when they overturned a 1-0 home defeat in a play-off semi-final 15 years ago and believes the Reds can do the same in Swansea today.
Valerien Ismael’s men travel to Swansea City hoping to replicate Andy Ritchie’s 2006 team who lost 1-0 at home to Huddersfield Town in their League One play-off home leg before winning 3-1 in the away game and reaching the final which they also won.
Barnsley also lost 1-0 at home in their Championship play-off first leg on Monday. Reid told the Chronicle: “It’s certainly not the end of the tie. Barnsley have proved they can beat anyone home or away. It won’t be easy but it’s not unachievable as we showed in 2006.
“It can work in your favour if the other team is complacent.”
After an early Reds goal was cancelled out by Huddersfield, Reid and Daniel Nardiello scored in the second half to send Barnsley to the play-off final in which they beat Swansea on penalties.
“The pressure was off us.
“The bus was late so we had to get straight off it, get changed and play and that probably suited us because we didn’t think about it too much or have too much nervous energy.
“The second leg at Huddersfield is one of my career highlights and ranks on a par for me with the final itself.
“I scored and celebrated in front of the fans and my family.”
Reid, who played 128 games for Barnsley between 2004 and 2008, has enjoyed seeing their progress this season.
“It’s been absolutely fantastic.
“When I look back at my time at Barnsley, getting into the Championship and staying in it was an achievement. So the way they have pushed on and competed at the top end of the table has been remarkable. I have seen some of their games on TV and been impressed.
“Barnsley is the club that I feel most connected to and the biggest affinity for. I would love to see them in the Premier League.
“I left 13 years ago but I still have a lot friends there.
“When we got promoted in 2006, there was a tangible feeling in the town with the success we had. I can only imagine what it would be like if they went up this time. I wish them the best of luck.”
