Championship Season Preview 2006/07 - Barnsley

Barnsley

Odds: 250/1

Last Five Seasons
2005/06 - 5 (League One - Promoted), 2004/05 - 13 (League One), 2003/04 - 12 (League One), 2002/03 - 19 (League One), 2001/02 - 23 (Championship, Relegated).

2005/06 Cup Progress
FA Cup Third Round (replay) vs Walsall (a) - lost 2-0.
Carling Cup Second Round vs Burnley (a) - lost 3-0.
Football League Trophy Northern Section First Round vs Doncaster (h) - lost 5-2.

Top Goal Scorer 2005/06: Paul Hayes (striker) - 13 goals.

Players In
Sam Togwell (Crystal Palace - Undisclosed), Michael McIndoe (Doncaster Rovers - Undisclosed), Michael Coulson (Scarborough - Undisclosed).

Players Out
Scott Flinders (Crystal Palace - Undisclosed), Stephen McPhail (Cardiff City - Free), Chris Shuker (Tranmere Rovers - Free), Barry Conlon (Darlington - Free), Matt Carbon (Released).

Barnsley secured the final available place in the Championship after beating Swansea City on penalties in the League One play off final. They return to the second tier after a four year absence but have lost several key players on the way.

Both Chris Shuker and Stephen McPhail have departed for Tranmere Rovers and Cardiff City respectively, while highly rated goalkeeper Scott Flinders signed a three year contract with Crystal Palace. The fee for the 20 year old England Under-20 international could rise to £1 million depending on appearances. He was also selected for a Football League XI to face Italy last season.

Manager Andy Ritchie has strengthened the squad with the signing of Doncaster Rovers winger Michael McIndoe for an undisclosed fee. McIndoe spent the last three seasons at Belle Vue, scoring 35 goals in 142 appearances and spent time on loan at Derby County at the tail end of last season.

Defender Sam Togwell switched from Crystal Palace to Oakwell for an undisclosed fee after finding limited first team opportunities at Selhurst Park. He spent a lengthy spell on loan at Port Vale last season and score four goals in almost 30 appearances.

Scarborough striker Michael Coulson has arrived at the club following a successful trial spell last season. The 18 year old has signed a two year contract and part of the deal will see three Barnsley youngsters spend next season on loan at the McCain Stadium. However, striker Daniel Nardiello will miss the start of the season after fracturing a collarbone in training. The former Manchester United trainee, who netted a goal in the League One play off final, was hurt in a collision with team mates.

Verdict
The Tykes are going to find it difficult next season with the departures of McPhail and Shuker from midfield. The Tykes could well become involved in a relegation battle and look good value at 11/4 to make a swift return to League One next May.

About The Author-- David Walker runs UK Betting free bet and fruit machine cheats websites. A free email course: "Seven Days to Better Betting" is available at both of these websites.

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