Barnsley stalwart Bobby Hassell believes his goal-line clearance at Hillsborough in 2009 was a turning point in his Oakwell career.
In his column in tomorrow's Barnsley Chronicle ahead of the South Yorkshire derby, Hassell writes: "I have some wonderful memories of playing at Sheffield Wednesday. When I first joined the club, they were a bit of a bogey team but we then went four unbeaten against them.
"The one that stands out is the 2009 win when Jamal Campbell-Ryce scored a phenomenal goal. I cleared a ball off the line late on in that win, and I look back at that moment as one where I started to become popular with the fans. I had a bit of a hard time with some supporters when I first joined from Mansfield but over the years they’ve been great. I feel like one of them now and will certainly be feeling that way when I pull the shirt on tomorrow.
"Having played at Barnsley for nine seasons and lived in the town for three years, I know all too well how much tomorrow’s game at Sheffield Wednesday means to the fans of Barnsley Football Club. In fact, it’s one of the fixtures I’ve started to look for myself when the games are announced at the beginning of each season.
"Of course, survival or relegation won’t be determined by tomorrow’s result, but it is a game that we want to ensure that we don’t lose."
