Jon Parkin is hoping Barnsley win the battle of his former clubs tomorrow but that Stoke City then join them in staying in the Championship this season.
The 37-year-old from Darfield made 13 appearances for his beloved hometown club before being released. He later played 39 games for Stoke as he was part of their side that won promotion to the Premier League in 2008.
He said: “It’s a six-pointer already this early in the season. “Stoke definitely didn’t expect that to be the case and Barnsley probably hoped it wouldn’t be. Both clubs desperately need to kickstart their seasons with a win.
“I am a Barnsley fan so I hope they win but, after that, I hope Stoke get enough points to stay up as well. I’ve been to quite a few Barnsley games this season and, I know a lot of people have said it, but they obviously miss some experience. “I was at the Preston game (a 5-1 loss) and it was lambs to the slaughter.
“I was surprised when Daniel Stendel left because the fans loved him and he got promotion last season but Adam Murray seems to have steadied the ship. They have had three good draws and performances but it would have been better to win two and lose one.”
Parkin played for Stoke in their last game at Oakwell, on Boxing Day in 2007, when he won a penalty. He said: “There was a tiny bit of contact but I went down like I had been shot and these days VAR would definitely have overturned the ref’s decision. I don’t regret it because Stoke paid my wages and I wanted to win for them. Every point was massive and helped us get to the Premier League. “I got dog’s abuse for it from Barnsley fans and some still mention it now.”
