BARNSLEY could still bring in ‘one or two’ more signings this window, says head coach Neill Collins.
The January transfer window has been open for almost three weeks and closes in 13 days on Thursday, February 1.
The Reds have so far recruited United States centre-back Donovan Pines while loaning out Kyran Lofthouse to MK Dons and Conor McCarthy to Swindon Town.
Their main priority this window was to sign a dominant centre-back which they have now done, but they are still on the look-out for possible further additions.
But, like many clubs, there has been a lull in activity in the middle of the month between the early pre-planned business and the final days of the window which are often frantic.
Head coach Neill Collins told the Chronicle: “Centre-back was a position we clearly needed certain attributes in. Now we will assess the current squad.
“If we do any business it will be to supplement what we have already got and maybe give us a couple of attributes we maybe don’t have.
“There might be another one or two pieces that get done to help us.
“We’re in a relatively good position because we have a lot of good players playing well like Adam Phillips, John McAtee, Devante Cole and Herbie Kane.
“When you have all those players in form you feel much happier.
“A couple of defeats can quite quickly make you think you’re short of a lot.
“Hopefully we continue to pick up results and feel good.”
Barnsley have plans in place for replacements if any regular starter leaves this window. But the Reds are expecting to keep hold of all their first team players with only a ‘silly’ bid set to tempt them to sell the likes of top-scorer Devante Cole who is out of contract in the summer. Collins dismissed rumours that Cole is close to a move to Hull City as ‘paper talk’ and Tigers manager Liam Rosenior also said they were not true.
The Chronicle understands no bids had been many for any first team players as of yesterday. Collins said: “The phone can go (with an offer for a player) at any moment in time and our recruitment will be prepared for that.”
Pines, 25, signed until the end of next season with a club option to add an extra year. The six foot five centre-back, who was a free agent after leaving DC United, is waiting for a visa before he can play or train so is doing fitness work as he last played on October 1. Collins said he would play for the under 21s at Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday if his clearance has come through. Collins said: “That (his lack of recent gametime) was definitely a consideration. But very rarely do you make a signing in January who has played all the games and is ready to go – maybe now and again. We’ve made a signing not just for this season but for the longer term. These are the things you sometimes have to compromise on.
“Ultimately we thought he was the best candidate for what we wanted. I don’t think he’s going to be a million miles away. His fitness tests have been good but he needs to acclimatise to a number of different factors.”
Collins said the Reds were not looking for any more centre-backs, including on the left where Jack Shepherd has been playing with Jamie McCart currently injured.
“I think we’re more than happy with what we’ve got there now. We’re well-equipped in that position.
“Jack Shepherd has been fantastic.
“The other night he, among many others, made some errors but we know where he’s come from and there’s a bedding in period. When he’s competing for a spot, I am not sure we necessarily need any more cover there.”
When Pines can play, will captain Jordan Williams move out of the back three to his previous position of right wing-back?
Collins said: “There are so many factors. You can never pick your team ahead of time because something will crop up to give you a different dilemma.
“It’s easy to assume that would be the case but, once we start training and Donovan starts training, and we see how the team is doing in games, we will pick the best team.”
Collins said earlier in the month that left-back Owen Dodgson, who was recalled from his loan by Burnley on New Year’s Day, could return.
“There are a lot of factors at play.
“One is Owen’s situation. Another is that we have other options we are pursuing. You can never rule it out.
“I really respect him. Owen has other options and wants to play regularly.”
McCarthy signed a three-year contract in the summer of 2022 but suffered a serious knee injury in September of that year and, despite being available for several months, has played only in the EFL Trophy group stage this season.
The 25-year-old Irish centre-back joined Swindon who are mid-table in League Two and this week sacked manager Michael Flynn. Collins said: “Conor has been a consummate professional since I have been here. He’s been really unfortunate, in some respects, that we went with some of the other guys who have done really well. It’s been frustrating for him.
“It’s a good move for him and a good signing for Swindon.
“He’s in contract until next season. Since his injury he hasn’t had the chance to play regular football.
“If he goes to play games and plays well, I said to him before he left that he will have an opportunity to fight for his place when he comes back.”
Young goalkeeper Paul Cooper has been loaned to non-league Ashton.
