Got a Story? - 01226 734262
Live music venue plans for Priory Campus [read more]
Barnsley FC
BARNSLEY v NORTHAMPTON: All change for crunch game
IF OFFERED, last summer, the situation of being guaranteed fifth if they beat Northampton at home on the last final, many Barnsley fans would have taken it following a tumultuous off-season with a slew of key departures.
But no one could have imagined that they would go into the game having sacked Neill Collins days earlier following a disastrous run which took them from challenging for the top two to being in serious danger of...
All you need to know as Reds host Cobblers
A full preview of Barnsley's final league game with Northampton Town including key battles, opposition view and previous meetings.
IF HAPPENS IF.....
BARNSLEY WIN: The Reds will definitely finish fifth and take on the fourth-placed team, very likely Peterborough, in the semi-final, at home on the following Saturday evening then away on Wednesday, May 8.
BARNSLEY DRAW: The Reds will finish on 76 points so will be overtaken by any of Lincoln, Oxford...
'Fantastic opportunity' for Devaney after 'no win situation' last time
Martin Devaney says he is a far better coach than when he was last caretaker for Barnsley games in a ‘no win situation' whereas he has now been given a ‘fantastic opportunity.’
Devaney was caretaker for the final three games of the 2021/22 season after the Reds had been relegated from the Championship – exactly two years ago. He has since been a first team coach under Michael Duff last season then Neill Collins this...
Connell likely to return and focused only on 3 points
Luca Connell looks likely to return from injury for Barnsley’s final league game of the season, with nothing more than three points and a play-off place on his mind.
The midfielder, who starred last season for the Reds, has missed chunks of this campaign with illness and injury – the latest being a slight groin problem which ruled him out of the last three matches. It is not 100 per cent definite that he will...
Reds focus on Northampton after 'massive shock' of sacking
Barnsley's interim coach Martin Devaney and player Luca Connell say Neill Collins’ sacking this week was a shock but they are focusing on reaching the play-offs tomorrow.
Collins was dismissed with a game remaining in the season, which the Reds need to win against Northampton to guarantee a place in the top six.
Devaney, who was Collins’ assistant, said: “As a colleague, I worked really well with Neill this year and it’s always disappointing to...
RESULTS
Blackpool
| 3-2 |
| 20th Apr |
Barnsley
Portsmouth
| 3-2 |
| 16th Apr |
Barnsley
Barnsley
| 2-2 |
| 13th Apr |
Reading
FIXTURES
Barnsley
| 27th Apr |
| 12:30pm |
Northampton Town
| P | Pts | ||||||||||||||
| 1 | Portsmouth | 45 | 94 | ||||||||||||
| 2 | Derby County | 45 | 89 | ||||||||||||
| 3 | Bolton Wanderers | 45 | 86 | ||||||||||||
| 4 | Peterborough United | 45 | 83 | ||||||||||||
| 5 | Barnsley | 45 | 75 | ||||||||||||
| 6 | Lincoln City | 45 | 74 | ||||||||||||
| 7 | Oxford United | 45 | 74 | ||||||||||||
| 8 | Blackpool | 45 | 73 | ||||||||||||
| 9 | Stevenage | 45 | 68 | ||||||||||||
| 10 | Wycombe Wanderers | 45 | 62 | ||||||||||||
| 11 | Leyton Orient | 45 | 62 | ||||||||||||
| 12 | Exeter City | 45 | 61 | ||||||||||||
| 13 | Wigan Athletic | 45 | 59 | ||||||||||||
| 14 | Northampton Town | 45 | 59 | ||||||||||||
| 15 | Bristol Rovers | 45 | 57 | ||||||||||||
| 16 | Charlton Athletic | 45 | 53 | ||||||||||||
| 17 | Reading | 45 | 50 | ||||||||||||
| 18 | Shrewsbury Town | 45 | 48 | ||||||||||||
| 19 | Cambridge United | 45 | 47 | ||||||||||||
| 20 | Burton Albion | 45 | 46 | ||||||||||||
| 21 | Cheltenham Town | 45 | 44 | ||||||||||||
| 22 | Fleetwood Town | 45 | 40 | ||||||||||||
| 23 | Port Vale | 45 | 40 | ||||||||||||
| 24 | Carlisle United | 45 | 30 | ||||||||||||
| Provided by Football Web Pages | |||||||||||||||
RESULTS
Blackpool
| 3-2 |
| 20th Apr |
Barnsley
Portsmouth
| 3-2 |
| 16th Apr |
Barnsley
Barnsley
| 2-2 |
| 13th Apr |
Reading
FIXTURES
Barnsley
| 27th Apr |
| 12:30pm |
Northampton Town
Ex Red and Cobbler Reid hoping for home victory
FORMER Barnsley captain Paul Reid is hoping they win the battle of his former clubs tomorrow and has backed former team-mate Martin Devaney to take his opportunity as interim boss.
Former defender Reid played for both the Reds – who need a win to guarantee a place in the League One play-offs – and their mid-table visitors Northampton Town.
Reid told the Chronicle: “I will have my Barnsley hat on for this game.
“I loved...
Interim boss promises to ‘take shackles off’ in crucial game against Cobblers
MARTIN Devaney has promised attacking football and to ‘take the shackles off’ when he oversees Barnsley’s vital final league game at home to Northampton Town from 12.30pm tomorrow.
The fifth-placed Reds will reach the play-offs with a win but anything else could see them finish as low as eighth.
The Cobblers are 14th, 15 points clear of the relegation zone and 15 off the top six.
Jon Brady’s side were promoted from League Two last...
Devaney to take final league game but next week uncertain
MARTIN Devaney has been tasked with getting Barnsley into the League One play-offs tomorrow but there might be someone different leading them into the semi-finals if they qualify.
The Reds sacked Neill Collins on Monday morning, following a run of nine points from 11 games – and one from the last five – which saw the gap between them and seventh shrink from ten points to one ahead of the last match.
They must beat...
Connell training and could make return
LUCA Connell has impressed in training this week and could feature against Northampton Town on Saturday.
The midfielder has missed the last three matches with a groin problem but returned to training this week.
Interim coach Martin Devaney said: “Luca is in contention. He’s had a slight groin problem but trained this week and looked really good.
“All being well he will be in contention to be in the squad.”
Josh Benson and Robbie Cundy...
Reds women reach final
Double-chasing Barnsley FC women came from behind to win 2-1 at home to Ossett in the League Cup semi-final on Wednesday.
Alayna Millard levelled from distance then Amy Dawson won a penalty which Kim Brown scored.
The Reds had won 2-0 at Sunderland West End on Sunday in the North East Premier while title challengers Wallsend lost.
Barnsley are now level on points with leaders Spennymoor Town, but second on goal difference by one goal. Spennymoor...
COMMENT: Collins pays price for unacceptable slump
A look at some of the key issues after Barnsley part company with head coach Neill Collins with a game left in the season.
SHOCK SACKING MIGHT CHANGE MOOD AND JOLT PLAYERS
Neill Collins was informed on Monday morning that he was relieved of his duties, following 291 days as Barnsley head coach which brought some memorable moments, club records and a place in League One’s top six but also constant issues and ultimately an...
Collins sacked with one league game left
Neill Collins has been sacked as Barnsley head coach with one game remaining in the League One season, and Martin Devaney appointed caretaker coach.
The Reds had taken nine points from their previous 11 games, with the gap between them and the teams outside the play-off places shrinking from ten points to one.
They will qualify for the play-offs if they win at home to Northampton Town on Saturday, with a draw or loss potentially...
Talking points from loss in Blackpool
Analysis of Barnsley's 3-2 defeat at Blackpool. The hosts raced 3-0 up before John McAtee and Adam Phillips replied.
ANOTHER MISERABLE AFTERNOON FOR A TEAM IN FREEFALL
YOU COULD not watch this game and not think that there is something quite badly wrong at Barnsley right now.
The players, for most of the match, looked ‘gone’ - physically and mentally - as they deservedly slumped to another defeat which imperilled their promotion chances further. ...
Reds 'far below the standard' admits Collins
Neill Collins admits Barnsley’s performance in a 3-2 loss at Blackpool was ‘far below the standard’ and they now have to ‘regroup’ ahead of next week’s final league game.
The Reds went 3-0 down, during a very poor first hour, then John McAtee and Adam Phillips replied late on.
Barnsley are still fifth but only a point clear in the play-off places ahead of their last game at home to Northampton Town next Saturday. If...
Top six goes to last day after another loss
Barnsley’s fight to stay in the League One play-off places will go to the final day after a very disappointing performance for the first hour in a 3-2 loss at fellow promotion hopefuls Blackpool.
The hosts led 2-0 at the break then added another just after half-time. John McAtee pulled one back midway through the second half then Adam Phillips netted in injury-time.
Barnsley remain fifth but they are now just a point clear...
Scorer Jalo grateful to Barnsley academy
FABIO Jalo had stopped playing football as a teenager before joining the Oakwell academy and believes Barnsley is the right place for him to develop.
The 18-year-old forward began his career in the youth system of Portuguese giants Benfica but left aged 13 and his family relocated to Leeds.
He has been with the Reds for four years, making his first team debut aged 16 and appearing 27 times.
Jalo, who plays for Portugal under...
Reds trust hits out at FA Cup replay change
Barnsley Football Club Supporters’ Trust has launched a passionate attack against the ‘disrespectful’ decision to scrap FA Cup replays.
The change was announced yesterday and has prompted an angry response by clubs and fans.
The trust said: “Barnsley Football Club Supporters’ Trust was bitterly disappointed with yesterday’s announcement that FA Cup replays will be scrapped from the first round onwards.
“We find this decision to be disrespectfu
O’Keeffe: get behind us and we’ll bring it home
COREY O’Keeffe says Barnsley will ‘regroup’ once they secure a place in League One’s top six while his message to the fans is: ‘get behind us and we’ll bring it home.’
The Reds were in top two contention last month but are now fifth, four points clear in the top six with two games left.
O’Keeffe told the Chronicle: “Last month we were in a very good position and we haven’t had the best results. ...
Grant pleased with full debut after ‘frustrating’ Reds spell
CONOR Grant was delighted to make his full debut for Barnsley at Portsmouth in midweek, after a ‘frustrating’ start to his Reds career.
The Irish midfielder, 22, signed on loan from League Two MK Dons in the summer and has come off the bench ten times, scoring in the win at Wycombe last month.
But he has only had two minutes of action in the month leading up to Tuesday’s match, sometimes being left out...
Boss backs Reds to get through ‘dry patch’
NEILL Collins admits Barnsley must improve defensively to get through their current ‘dry patch’ but added: “I don’t think there’s loads wrong.”
The Reds have won two of their last ten games but are still fifth in League One, four points clear in the play-off places with two matches remaining.
Collins told the Chronicle: “It’s disappointing when you put it like that – nine points in ten games.
“But when you look at the previous
Reds aim to win Blackpool’s ‘cup final’ and avoid final day drama
NEILL Collins is confident Barnsley can get the win they need to secure a play-off place at Blackpool tomorrow rather than have to endure a nervous final day next week.
The Reds, with two games to play, are fifth in League One, four points clear in the top six. They currently need three more points from two games to secure a place in the play-offs.
This week they drew 2-2 at home to Reading on...
Both Russell and Connell ‘progressing’
BARNSLEY midfielders Luca Connell and Jon Russell should play in the league again this season, possibly at Blackpool on Saturday, says head coach Neill Collins.
Connell picked up an injury in training last Friday while Russell hobbled off the next day against Reading, with both missing Tuesday’s trip to Portsmouth.
Collins told the Chronicle: “They are progressing in the right direction. There is still an opportunity for them to be involved on Saturday, if not...
Reds contacted over pitch invasion incident
Barnsley FC are participating in an investigation into an incident involving one of their players during Tuesday night’s pitch invasion at Fratton Park.
Portsmouth fans ran onto the pitch after their team clinched promotion and the League One title with a 3-2 win over the Reds.
Footage appears to show a Barnsley player, thought to be defender Jamie McCart, being struck in the head as supporters rush past him. He is not thought to have...
Talking points from Portsmouth loss
Analysis of Barnsley's 3-2 loss at Portsmouth on Tuesday.
The Reds led through Devante Cole then John McAtee but the hosts scored twice late on to win the title and get promoted.
REDS GUTTED AMID POMPEY PARTY
WHILE overjoyed Portsmouth players and fans celebrated in a sea of blue on the barely-visible pitch, Neill Collins conducted his much less joyous post-match interview in a utility room between a washing machine and a laminator.
It...
'As frustrating as it comes'
Neill Collins says Barnsley’s late 3-2 loss at Portsmouth was ‘as frustrating as it comes.’
The Reds led twice through Devante Cole and John McAtee but Pompey scored an 85th-minute penalty then won it soon after and secure both promotion and the title.
Barnsley are still fifth, four points clear in the top six and need three from the last two games for the play-offs.
Collins said: “That is as frustrating as...
Reds stunned by two late Pompey goals in loss
Barnsley lost 3-2 at Portsmouth, having led 2-1 on 85 minutes, and still need three points from the last two games to secure a play-off place.
Devante Cole ended his goal drought with a fifth-minute opener but the hosts levelled almost instantly. John McAtee restored the lead after the break then conceded a penalty late on which was converted before an 89th-minute winner.
The Reds played well for the majority of the game...
Reds hope to spoil Pompey promotion party
Barnsley visit leaders Portsmouth tonight hoping to deny their hosts a promotion party and secure a place in League One's top six.
The Reds are fifth in League One, five points clear of the teams below the play-offs following a 2-2 home draw with Reading on Saturday.
They need three points from their last three games to be sure of the play-offs – having taken nine from nine – while two sides chasing them Oxford...
OAKWELL ROUND-UP: Benson set-back, women in semi-final and u18s comeback
Some Barnsley FC-related stories following another busy weekend.
'LOADS TO BE POSITIVE ABOUT' SAYS BOSS
Neill Collins says there is ‘loads to be positive about’ and Barnsley are in a ‘great position’ going into the last three games of the League One season.
The Reds are fifth, five points clear in the top six and need three more points to reach the play-offs. They have collected nine from their last nine games. They visit leaders...
Talking points from Reading draw
Analysis of Barnsley's 2-2 home draw with Reading. The visitors took the lead twice but Adam Phillips and Fabio Jalo levelled.
JALO RESCUES REDS
A PLAYER who was less than a year old when Barnsley won the League One play-offs for the first time in 2006 took them one tentative, shaky step closer to finishing in the top six again this time.
Fabio Jalo has been talked about as a future superstar for a...
Reds remain confident with 3 points needed
Neill Collins says Barnsley will get at least the three points they need from three games to finish in the top six if they show the ‘attitude, character and intensity’ they displayed in a 2-2 home draw with Reading on Saturday.
The visitors took the lead twice but Adam Phillips then teenage substitute Fabio Jalo levelled.
The Reds are now five points clear in the top six and need three to make the play-offs, potentially...
Jalo rescues point
Teenage substitute Fabio Jalo’s first ever league goal rescued a point for Barnsley in a 2-2 draw at home to Reading.
The fifth-placed Reds are five points clear in the play-off places and need three points from last three games to make sure they are in the semi-finals.
The visitors took the lead but Adam Phillips levelled in first half. Reading scored a superb second with ten minutes left but the impressive Jalo...
Big game for both teams as Reading visit Oakwell
BARNSLEY could take a big step towards securing a place in the top six when they host Reading from 3pm.
The Royals are currently 17th, nine points and four places clear of the relegation zone.
They could mathematically secure their safety at Oakwell depending on other results.
The Royals have been docked six points throughout the season for failing to pay staff and their tax bills amid a financial crisis which has allegedly led to...
Reds women in cup quarter-final on Sunday
BARNSLEY FC women are preparing for a quarter-final at the weekend as they look to compete for cup glory as well as promotion in the final weeks of the season.
They host Bradford City in the League Cup quarter-final on Sunday from 2pm on the astroturf pitch at Oakwell.
A strong cup run could provide extra drama at the end of the first full season under the Barnsley FC umbrella for the women’s team.
Manager...
De Gevigney insists bizarre own goal has not affected him
MAEL de Gevigney says his bizarre own goal in Barnsley’s previous home game has not had a lasting impact.
The French defender scored in his own net in the Good Friday game with Cambridge United as his backpass went past goalkeeper Liam Roberts, before the Reds suffered a 2-0 defeat.
He told the Chronicle: “When you are a defender or goalkeeper, you will make a mistake in your career. It’s part of the game. I...
Scorer Phillips confident Barnsley will avoid ‘disaster’
ADAM Phillips admits Barnsley missing out on the play-offs would be a disaster but is confident that won’t happen.
The Reds have been in League One’s top six since New Year’s Day and are still six points clear in it, with four games left, but the gap is shrinking due to recent poor form.
Midfielder Phillips told the Chronicle: “It would be a bit of a disaster if we fell out of the top...
‘We’re not worried’ as Cadden calls for fans to stick with Reds
NICKY Cadden says Barnsley are ‘not worried’ about their position in the top six and added: ‘the fans need to stay with us.’
The 27-year-old left wing-back has played 43 games for the Reds this season.
Asked if the last month had been difficult mentally after the chances of the top two faded away, he told the Chronicle: “Not really.
“We stayed positive. We are a good group with good players.
“We need to stick...
Boss praises Cole's attitude and backs him to score soon
NEILL Collins has praised Devante Cole’s attitude during his goalless run and believes he will soon start scoring again.
Barnsley’s 17-goal top-scorer has not found the net in 13 matches across more than two months and has been in and out of the starting 11 in recent weeks. Head coach Collins said: “It could change any second. The biggest thing for me with Devante is he’s always there. I could show the last five or...
Results ‘not good enough’ as Reds look to secure top 6 spot
NEILL Collins acknowledges Barnsley’s recent results are ‘not good enough’ but believes they will soon rediscover their form from earlier in the season and secure a top six place.
The Reds, with four league games left, are fifth in League One, nine points off second-placed Derby County with their chances of automatic promotion extinguished realistically if not quite mathematically yet.
They are six clear in the top six but the two sides below them...
New dad Cundy could still play part – boss
New father Robbie Cundy is not in contention for this weekend but could still play a part this season, says Barnsley boss Neill Collins.
With January signing Donovan Pines out for the season, Cundy is the biggest and most physically imposing centre-back at the club.
But he has missed the entire season with injuries until returning to training last month then suffering a setback. Head coach Collins told the Chronicle: “We’re hoping he’s back training...
Talking points from Stevenage loss
Analysis of Barnsley's 2-1 loss at Stevenage on Tuesday. The Reds took the lead through Adam Phillips but the hosts netted either side of half-time.
REDS IN DANGER OF BEING CAUGHT IF THEY DO NOT IMPROVE
WHAT had looked like a dip in form is in danger of becoming a full-blown crisis as the collapse which cost Barnsley their top two hopes is beginning to threaten their chances of the top six.
The Reds...
‘ They had better size and we didn’t cope with it’
Neill Collins says Barnsley struggled to deal with Stevenage’s physicality in their 2-1 Tuesday defeat but played down fears the Reds could fall out of the top six.
Adam Phillips put the visitors in front but the hosts netted either side of half-time.
Fifth-placed Barnsley are now eight points off the top two and six clear in the top six, with four matches to play, having collected eight points from their last eight...
Reds beaten at Stevenage after taking lead
Barnsley continued their poor form with a 2-1 loss at Stevenage on Tuesday night, missing a chance to cement themselves in League One’s top six.
Adam Phillips put the visitors ahead but the hosts – who were winless in eight – levelled just before half-time then won it early in the second half.
Barnsley have taken eight points from eight games and are still fifth, eight points off the top two and six...
Reds look to bounce back at Stevenage
Barnsley visit Stevenage tomorrow from 7.45pm, hoping to bounce back from Saturday's loss at Charlton Athletic and cement their position in League One's top six.
The Reds are fifth in League One, eight points off the top two and six clear in the top six. They lost 2-1 at Charlton on Saturday, ending a club record 11-game unbeaten away run.
They need six more points from their last five games to guarantee a place in...
Talking points from Charlton loss
Analysis of Barnsley's 2-1 loss at Charlton Athletic. Alfie May netted twice in the first half either side of an Adam Phillips penalty.
REDS LIMPING INTO PLAY-OFFS
This match took place just a couple of miles from where Barnsley boxer Callum Simpson secured his latest knock-out victory at the 02 arena six days earlier.
Across the Borough of Greenwich at The Valley, Barnsley’s top two hopes, which had been on the verge of a...
Collins rues refereeing decisions and second half display
Neill Collins was frustrated with refereeing decisions and his side’s second half performance as Barnsley lost 2-1 at Charlton Athletic on Saturday.
The Reds thought they should have had penalties for fouls on Devante Cole and John McAtee while they believe Fabio Jalo’s late equaliser was wrongly ruled out for offside.
Head coach Collins said: “Fabio Jalo was a yard on side. The opposite wing-back is about a yard behind.
“It was a great finish....