retired_brinker317

Fairway was delighted as he read the press reports on Sunday morning. A win, and a convincing win at that, in his first game in charge had both delighted and suprised him, and it was - all in all - an ideal start to his reign. He would not be resting on his laurels however - and cover on the right of defence was something of a priority.

Scanning through the PFA Lists, he found the name of a player who certainly interested him. Tyrone Mears , at Preston , was on the loan list and available. A three-month offer for the Stockport-born player - also interesting MK Dons - was tabled, and Fairway hoped that Mears would be with him in the next few days, primarily as cover for the always exhausting Christmas period.

What he didn't realise, however, was that MK Dons interest was of a more permanent nature - and, understandably, Mears took steps to safeguard his future, agreeing an £18,000 switch to be completed when the Transfer Window reopens on New Year's Day. With Bobby Hassell set to leave Oakwell on the same day to join Sc unthorpe on a Free Transfer, Fairway knew that he would have to delve back into the market sooner rather than later.

On Tuesday afternoon Oakwell played host to Colchester in a Reserve game - a match which Barnsley would win 2-0. Fairway was there to check on the progress of both his fringe players and trialists - and captain Dale Tonge , who had signed a Full Time deal in the morning. Trialist Dale Vince , however, certainly gave him food for thought with a fine showing at the back.

By Wednesday, Martin Devaney - who had scored for the reserves in front of his manager - had - for the moment - blown his chances of a move, after telling Grays that the wage package offered was unacceptable - whilst Wayne Brown agreed a £5000 switch to Exeter City at the start of 2007. Combined with Hassell ,the soon to depart duo would free up over £1000 a week from the wage bill as a result.

With Internationals on Wednesday evening, Fairway again found himself at Oakwell, watching a pulsating Reserve fixture - two in two days for the second string - against Cambridge United . The Tykes drew 2-2, but looked seriously tired towards the end of proceedings. Man of the Match Tonge , Full back Atkinson and youngster Higgins all showed up well, but not for the first time, trialist striker Walsh looked subdued and a patch on the player Fairway had seen on video evidence. England , meanwhile, were confident in their disposal of Turkey at Wembley - West Ham's Mark Noble scoring his first for his country in a game which 'Sven's Men' dominated.

Rochdale v Barnsley - 18/11/06 - League Two

Fairway's second match in charge would see an unchanged Tykes side travel to Rochdale - the current incumbents of sixth spot, one above his men. Barnsley had the better of the early play, but were unable to force an opening - several times crosses rolling just too far ahead of their targets. On 21, Dale took the lead - a weak pass from Wroe, carrying an early knock, was picked up and slotted coolly home by Blair Sturrock, with Wroe immediatley replaced by the workmanlike Kell. Finally, on 43, after a spell of pressure, the Tykes did level - Nardiello finding Wright as Barnsley countered with devastating effect. Two minutes later, on the stroke of half time, Morgan hammered a free kick underneath a disorganised wall to put Barnsley ahead - and lead into the interval. With the side unchanged at the break, the second half began slowly - Barnsley content to hold possession, whilst Rochdale struggled to break. After another knock for the busy Shuker on 75, Heslop made an appearance on the right, and three minutes later, Rochdale were reduced to 10 men - Jackson dismissed for a lunge on Nardiello as the former Manchester United striker turned to run at goal from just inside the Rochdale half. Whilst the free kick - and several subsequent chances came to nothing - Rochdale rallied towards the end, with a couple of crosses well fielded by Dutch stopper Ubbergen. It had been another impressive showing - and but for some fine stops by Dale 'keeper Jake Cole, a real rout could have been on the cards.

Rochdale 1 - Barnsley 2

Attendance; 5512

Barnsley League Position; 6th

retired_brinker317

With 30 points reached for the season, Sunday saw Fairway's previous club, Istres , appoint Bruno Metsu as his replacement - the 52 Year old coming from Al-Gharrafa , champions of Qatar . Back in England, as Nuno Morais was announced as being part of the League Two Team of the Week , Alan Knill recieved his marching orders from Rotherham , being immediatley replaced by Bobby Gould

Crewe Alexandra would provide Barnsley's midweek opponents - a Tuesday night game in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy . Although Barnsley won the competition last season, Fairway didn't consider it a priority - and with defender Wes Morgan ineligible to play due to the terms of his loan agreement, he would make changes to the side.

Crewe Alexandra v Barnsley - 21.11.06 - Johnstone's Paint Trophy Second Round North

El-Abd, Heckingbottom, Heslop, Kell and Richards would all be drafted into the side, with Morgan, Morais, Wroe, Howard and Nardiello all rested or amongst the substitutes. It didn't take long for Crewe to take the lead - Manion on target from the edge of the box after a busy opening spell just 3 minutes in. Despite conceding, Barnsley looked busy from then on - Wright and Heckingbottom in particular showing ability, before Heslop was withdrawn through injury ten minutes before the break. With Nicky Wroe in his place, Barnsley looked a better side coming forward, but were still unable to forge a leveller. Finally, on 64, it came - Shuker's corner headed towards goal by El-Abd, hit Bignot on the line, cannoning in off the defender's knee. Fairway then changed his personnel - Vaughan replacing Williams and Nardiello replacing Wright - only to see Crewe score 15 minutes from time through Steve Jones. There would be no further chances for the Tykes - the holders out, and Fairway left to contemplate his first defeat in English football.

Crewe 2 - Barnsley 1

Attendance; 3545

retired_brinker317

A £4000 cheque was the result of Barnsley's Cup defeat - Fairway not too downhearted, and more concerned about Saturday's return to League action. There would, however, be disapointment on Wednesday - another reserve game, and a 1-1 draw, but having watched the trip to Stockport , Fairway came to a decision regarding trialist pair Dale Vince and Phil Walsh - neither, in his opinion, good enough to make offering a permanent contract worthwhile.

Cheltenham Town v Barnsley - 25.11.06 - League Two

With Morgan, Morais, Wroe, Howard and Nardiello all recalled, Fairway had hoped for a positive start - but saw his side fall behind on 3 thanks to a long range McCann effort. It didn't take long for Nardiello to put the Tykes back on level terms - but with 'keeper Ubbergen in obvious discomfort, Barnsley's travelling support seemed a little subdued. When, two minutes before the break, Wright tapped home in a scramble, however, the visiting support did liven up, singing the Tykes into the interval with a lead to protect. Heslop replaced a quiet Shuker at the break, whilst sub 'keeper Samson remained on the field to warm up in case the Dutch stopper required replacing in the second half. Barnsley's pace on the counter seemed to keep Cheltenham penned back, although big target man Asaba caused Austin some problems, and the full back was replaced 14 minutes from time by the quicker El-Abd. Try as they might, Cheltenham couldn't find the final ball that they probably deserved - although on 86, a stunning counter from Barnsley deserved a third - Nicky Wroe a constant threat down the right, but 'keeper Stark was equal to Wright's effort. The victory - although not always assured - was probably deserved on balance of play, and Barnsley's third away game from four in a row would end in another three points.

Cheltenham 1 - Barnsley 2

Attendance; 6162

Barnsley League Position; 5th

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Carlisle | | 20 | 12 | 5 | 3 | 31 | 19 | +12 | 41 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Darlington | | 20 | 11 | 4 | 5 | 31 | 19 | +12 | 37 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Mansfield | | 20 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 27 | 18 | +9 | 36 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Cheltenham | | 20 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 25 | 19 | +6 | 35 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | BARNSLEY | | 20 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 31 | 23 | +8 | 33 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Wycombe | | 20 | 9 | 5 | 6 | 28 | 23 | +5 | 32 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Bury | | 20 | 9 | 4 | 7 | 26 | 26 | 0 | 31 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Oxford | | 20 | 9 | 3 | 8 | 29 | 27 | +2 | 30 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | MK Dons | | 20 | 7 | 8 | 5 | 30 | 27 | +3 | 29 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Grimsby | | 20 | 9 | 2 | 9 | 32 | 30 | +2 | 29 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Notts Co | | 20 | 7 | 8 | 5 | 25 | 23 | +2 | 29 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Rochdale | | 20 | 9 | 2 | 9 | 31 | 30 | +1 | 29 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Macclesfield | | 20 | 8 | 4 | 8 | 28 | 30 | -2 | 28 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Kidderminster | | 20 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 26 | 30 | -4 | 26 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | Barnet | | 20 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 26 | 31 | -5 | 26 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Rushden | | 20 | 6 | 5 | 9 | 29 | 34 | -5 | 23 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Blackpool | | 20 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 28 | 26 | +2 | 22 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Leyton Orient | | 20 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 27 | 26 | +1 | 22 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | Yeovil | | 20 | 6 | 4 | 10 | 25 | 27 | -2 | 22 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | | Bristol Rovers | | 20 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 25 | 29 | -4 | 22 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 21st | | Torquay | | 20 | 6 | 4 | 10 | 23 | 28 | -5 | 22 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 22nd | | Accrington | | 20 | 6 | 4 | 10 | 26 | 33 | -7 | 22 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 23rd | | Peterborough | | 20 | 4 | 5 | 11 | 21 | 33 | -12 | 17 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 24th | | Chester | | 20 | 2 | 9 | 9 | 19 | 38 | -19 | 15 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>

retired_teju

Good stuff I am enjoying this

retired_jenc110

Good stuff d_s. Remember to turn Word Wrap off in Notepad next time though

retired_brinker317

Is that was does it then?

Interesting...

Ta, both of you.

retired_jenc110

Yeah it's basically a Notepad bug. All you need to do is turn off Word Wrap and then select all the text again, on-screen it looks exactly the same but it won't be borked like that.

Enough about formatting, I'm looking forward to seeing how you get on I'm starting my AAC thread tonight or tomorrow, rest assured you're doing much better than me so far...

retired_brinker317

Sunday saw bad news for Rodney Ubbergen - the 'keeper requiring treatment for a jaw injury which would see him out for around a fortnight - and the elevation of Scottish youngster Craig Samson to first-choice stopper in training routines.

Monday morning would see a new arrival at Oakwell - with Fairway getting his cover at right back ahead of the Christmas period, and until late February 2007. Leeds United teenager Phil Stansfield , 18, is yet to make his senior debut, but is quick, brave and positionally aware. Whilst he will not be considered first choice, his arrival certainly gives the Tykes another option at the back.

After a quiet start to the week, Wednesday saw the reserves in action - and Tony Vaughan shone in a 3-0 demolition of a weak Tamworth side. Young striker Danny Moore picked up a dead leg in the victory, but the Tykes were always in control. After the game, Fairway had words for transfer-listed Vaughan - handing him a bench role for Saturday's FA Cup trip to Macclesfield with Wes Morgan unavailable due to the terms of his loan arrangement.

Colgan received something of a dressing down from his manager - told by Fairway that he is currently a backup player, and will need to work hard in training if he is to earn the chance of an extended contract for next season. In short, he would not get his wish - Craig Samson told that he would indeed start for the Tykes on Saturday.

On Friday Fairway would recieve a suprise phone call - nominated as Manager of the Month for November. His first month in charge had flown by, and had indeed been a successful one. Nick Colgan also made an appearance in the Oakwell office, apologising to his manager for what he called his 'rash' remarks to the local press. With that, Fairway considered the matter closed - with Brown already leaving the club in January, he did not want to go down to just two goalkeepers for the rest of the season.

Macclesfield Town v Barnsley - FA Cup Second Round - 2.12.06

In his prematch pep talk with his players, Fairway told them that he considered this his most important match to date as Barnsley boss. A win here, in the somewhat grotty surroundings of the Moss Rose, could see Barnsley back in the public eye - with a potential Third Round glamour tie the reward. Wes Morgan would be one absentee, however, as would 'keeper Ubbergen - the two replaced by El-Abd and Samson respectivley. Barnsley got the perfect start on 3 - Nardiello tripped by Swailes, who was immediatley dismissed for a professional foul. Some 25 yards from goal, Kay stepped up and blasted the free kick home on a cold, wet afternoon. On 11, the Tykes doubled their lead - Nardiello finding Wright inside the box. 19 minutes later, Kay found himself in an almost identical position - no dismissal this time, but the free kick was equally as sublime, bent around the wall and into the net, with the visiting supporters delirious behind the goal. Richards and Heslop replaced Nardiello and Wroe at the break - the two, in Fairway's mind, having done more than enough. None of the second half substitutes - including Kell, who replaced Shuker late on - had much to do though - Macclesfield looked beaten from the moment they stepped onto the field in the second half, and Barnsley were able to keep possession, playing some 'olé' football at times, but without adding to their goal tally. The Third Round payday is on!

Macclesfield 0 - Barnsley 3

Attendance; 3093

retired_brinker317

Sunday morning, and while Fairway waited for the Third Round draw of the FA Cup , he learned that Colin Calderwood had been dismissed as manager of Blackpool - with his predeccesor at Barnsley, Rick Holden , considered favourite for the Bloomfield Road post by some sections of the media.

By far his biggest concern, however, was a News of the World article, regarding one of his key players...

The article was 'noticed' locally - and within minutes, Fairway had local radio and press reporters on the phone, demanding to know if he thought that Wright would stay. His response was simple - no offer had been recieved, and no offer would be considered for the time being. Wright, he emphasised, was under contract until the summer of 2009 and, despite occasional rumours to the contrary, had made no noises about wanting to move on.

The FA Cup Third Round draw would come in the traditional Monday lunchtime slot. The players took a quick break from training to see who they would be facing in the first week of the new year. They didn't have to wait long - Barnsley the third name out of the hat. A home draw... against Tottenham Hotspur . It was a dream draw for players, and management alike - Fairway, a childhood Spurs fan - would get his chance to pit his wits against Martin Jol and a Spurs side currently 10th in the Premiership. With a bumper crowd expected, the financial rewards looked particularly attractive as well. Now all he would have to do is keep his players' 'feet on the ground' - the match, he reminded some of the particularly excitable players, still a month - and seven matches away.

Barnsley v Leyton Orient - 3.12.06 - League Two

In fact, Fairway would have to bring his players back down to earth in time for their first home game for just under a month - and only his second at the club. Morgan would return for El-Abd after Saturday's Cup exploits in the only change to the lineup. The first half, however, was something of a disapointment - Wroe unable to reach Howard's superb cross for the Tykes, while Echanomi came closest for Orient with a shot well turned away by Samson. No changes at the break, but with the second half also starting poorly, Fairway reacted on 65 - hauling off Nardiello and Wroe for Richards and Kell. Orient's slow, steady play stifled Barnsley, and a Morgan header which flashed wide aside, they were unable to create real goal threats throughout what was a fairly dismal game.

Barnsley 0 - Orient 0

Attendance; 9129

Barnsley League Position; 5th

retired_brinker317

Wednesday morning, and ex-Barnsley boss Rick Holden would be back in football - taking charge of Blackpool . He would return to Oakwell - the Seasiders due to travel to Barnsley in February. The reaction he recieved would perhaps depend on the new manager's performances.

Another strong performance from Wes Morgan on Tuesday evening forced Fairway's hand. With a month to go before the defender was due to return to Nottingham Forest , he decided to try to make Morgan's switch permanent - launching a £50,000 bid for the 22-year old.

On Wednesday afternoon, Barnsley's Reserves were again in action - a 2-1 victory over Peterborough slightly tempered by a pulled hamstring for James Butler - ruling him out for up to a month - and a dismissal for Tony Vaughan , sent off for a second bookable offence.

It was indeed true - after failing to impress Fairway in training, Hayes was being made available on a free transfer - and all three rumoured sides had seen Barnsley accept offers.

The Oakwell pitch would take another battering on Friday - Bury Under 18's the visitors for a game which Barnsley comfortably won 3-2 - a brace from Danny Moore and a fine goal from Neil Higgins giving the young Tykes a fine win on a bitterly cold day.

Macclesfield Town v Barnsley - 9.12.06 - League Two

With Rodney Ubbergen passing a late fitness test, the Dutchman would be back between the sticks in the only change for Barnsley - replacing Samson. It took just over a minute for the Tykes to take the lead - a Williams ball into the left channel was chased by Wright, who was pulled back by defender McCrink. Although it was a clear goalscoring opportunity, referee Vosper just booked the offender - perhaps sensibly, given the timing of the incident. Whatever, Nardiello slammed the penalty beyond 'keeper Belford to earn warm applause from the visiting supporters - no doubt delighted to have something to cheer about on a cold, wet afternoon where the floodlights were already on at the start of the game. It should have been two five minutes later - Wroe rounding Belford, only to fire wide with the goal at his mercy. It deserved punishment, and on 10, Townson got free to blast Macclesfield level. The home side were - as with Orient last week - frustrating Barnsley, and on 44, won a free kick. McIntyre floated the ball to the near post, and McCrink made up for his earlier misendemours with a fine header into the far corner to give the Silkmen the lead. Heslop and Richards would again replace Wroe and Nardiello at the break - Fairway giving his side a more attacking impetus - and on 49, got their reward - Kay thundering home a free kick from the edge of the D. The Tykes now had the bit between their teeth - and on 52, Wright saw a shot blocked by Belford only for Richards to slam the ball home. On 79, a fourth - Morgan blocking a clearance, and Wright ran at goal before firing the ball across the face of goal and into the far corner. It was Fairway's cue to introduce El-Abd for a tiring Howard - Williams pushing up into midfield - but an excellent result was secure long before then.

Macclesfield 2 - Barnsley 4

Attendance; 3979

Barnsley League Position; 5th