Barnsley | Grimsby |
Introducing.........the Tykes |
After failing to find their feet in the second division last season, Barnsley finally seem to be doing so under manager Gudjon Thordarson. The Icelander took over at Oakwell in the summer from Glyn Hodges and immediately set about building his own team, despite constraints put on him by adminstrators. Tony Gallimore and Peter Handyside joined Kev Donovan as Town old boys with the Tykes, although the pair have enjoyed much earlier success than Donovan has. Also signed by Thordarson was former Charlton stopper Sasa Ilic on a free transfer from Portsmouth. The giant 'keeper has established himself firmly as the first choice this season. Under Thordarson's leadership, Barnsley have kept in touch with the top since the opening day and look less likely to fall away as the season progresses. A lack of goalscoring options may prove to be their undoing though. |
Team News |
Experienced midfielder Steve Hayward is the only real injury worry for Thordarson. The 32-year-old has struggled for most the season with a hamstring problem and has not played since early October. Kev Donovan and Gary Jones remain long term absentee's. Dean Gorre, Griff Jones, Neil Austin and Rory Fallon all played in the midweek reserve game with Tranmere and could all feature in the 16. Thordarson is likely to stick with the eleven that beat Peterborough 3-2 in midweek though. Win Odds - 5/6 | John McDermott is Town's main injury worry. The captain is struggling with a hamstring strain, Jason Crowe sits on standby. Iffy Onuora will start his first game as a full-time Town player alongside Michael Boulding up front. Nick Daws' return to Rotherham means a place back in the eleven for Marcel Cas. Stuart Campbell will replace Daws in the centre of midfield, Cas occupying the right flank. Phil Jevons will again find himself on the bench despite hitting his fourth goal in as many games for the reserves in the 2-1 defeat to Hartlepool. Win Odds - 11/4 |
Likely Teams |
| Formation: 4-4-2 Ilic, O'Callaghan, Gallimore, Ireland, Handyside, Kay, Lumsdon, Crooks, Carson, Betsy, Rankin. | Formation: 4-4-2 Davison, McDermott, Barnard, Crane, Edwards, Cas, Anderson, Campbell, Hamilton, Boulding, Onuora. |
Top Scorers |
Dean Gorre (4) | Michael Boulding (9) | ||||
Brought to England by Huddersfield Town in their Premiership chasing days. Despite a good start with the Terriers, a public fallout saw him move to Oakwell. Has failed to provide his best on a consistent basis for the Tykes, but has made a good start to the season. First Goalscorer Odds - 10/1 |
Three goals in two games ended the month long barren spell for the frontman and he know is looking towards the 20 goal mark and beyond. Boulding is full of confidence at the moment and will fancy himself to score. First Goalscorer Odds - 7/1 |
Star Man - Peter Handyside | Remember Me? Steve Chettle | ||||
A product of the Blundell Park youth system in the early 90's, Handyside broke into the first team at 18 alongside Gary Croft. Injuries prevented him from going on to bigger and better things. An unstable relationship with Lennie Lawrence saw his departure to Stoke where he captained them to second division play off glory. A pay dispute saw him leave the Potters a year later and join the Tykes. |
With a severe lack of defensive options, Paul Groves signed the former England Under 21 cap 8 days before the seasons start. Despite some good performances, Chettle's weak back was a real concern and he was often replaced in the games he was fit to play. Joined Burton Albion in the summer to link up with Former Nottm Forest team-mates Nigel Clough and Gary Crosby after Town waited on Georges Santos. Only spent a season with the Tykes as well, they also were relegated. |
