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With the players off on their holidays until the 25th of June on Monday - just over a month away - Fairway was informed on Monday that Hinckley United had offered a contract under the Bosman ruling to transfer-listed winger Martin Devaney . He would also say farewell to Johannes Djourou , who, despite not entering into contract talks with Arsenal , was still having none of it regarding a permanent Oakwell deal.

By far the biggest news though would come on Tuesday. With Sven-Goran Eriksson retiring, and 19 days to go before England face Albania and Romania in a Euro 2008 qualifiing double-header, West Ham manager Alan Pardew resigned his Upton Park position - and an hour later, was confirmed as England's new manager at the FA's Soho Square Headquarters.

Tuesday would also see a new arrival at Oakwell - 17-Year old midfielder Mark Doninger on a fortnight's trial. The player left Premiership Newcastle recently, and after the Geordies put the word out as a favour to the teenager, Fairway offered him a trial with a view to a permanent contract. It was a little earlier than he had hoped - he really wanted Doninger to attend preseason training, but felt he couldn't risk letting the lad sit out of football for 6 weeks. Initial impressions were promising, with Doninger helping out with the Tykes' Football Summer School programme - ran, convienently enough by Youth Coach Andy Porter , as well as Barnsley's Football In The Community Officer Freddie May .

Newcastle let him go due to his physical presence - or lack of it. At just 5'6" Doninger is never going to win any physical battles, but, on the flip side, is skillful. Porter, reporting back to Fairway after Doninger's first session, noted that his anticipation and all-round passing ability were excellent - but that the physical side of his game really could do with improvement, although pace wasn't too far off most of the current squad. One to keep an eye on, perhaps. Whatever, he would be at the club for a fortnight certainly - with Fairway deciding that he would most likely invite him back for preseason training if he was still without a club.

It would take Martin Devaney just 48 hours to accept a move to Conference side Hinckley United - the winger due to join the Knitters on the 1st of July. Wednesday evening also saw the European Cup Final . Celtic started well, with John Hartson opening the scoring on 3. Werder Bremen levelled before the break - and there would be no further goals. Germans don't lose penalty shootouts - and Werder Bremen would be crowned Champions of Europe after winning 5-4 on penalties - Aiden McGeady and Kenny Miller missing the spot kicks to complete a reversal of fortunes after Werder had missed their opening penalty - Klasnic blazing over.

The Playoff matches over the weekend finally completed the domestic campaign for clubs in The Championship and The Conference - with Plymouth Argyle beating QPR 3-0 to earn their place in the top flight. In the Conference, Aldershot finally completed their rise back to the big time - promoted back into the Football League after being expelled from the league for financial reasons in March 1992 and reformed as a brand new club.

On Thursday, Fairway was able to hold a Press Conference at Oakwell, to name his new assistant. Stuart Cash - formerly with Lewes - would be appointed, with Barnsley paying out £3000 in Compensation to the Sussex side, relegated from the Conference South after a heartbreaking last day defeat to Basingstoke . Cash's duties would mainly be managing the Reserve Team, with some Coaching thrown in as well.

Saturday saw Mansfield wrap up the League Two season with victory in the Playoff Final against Darlington , winning 2-0 at Wembley. With the season now officially over, it would also cost Barnsley £15,000 - £10,000 to Chelsea in a promotion payment for Nuno Morais , with £5000 going to Shrewsbury for a similar clause in the deal which brought Joe Hart to Oakwell. In League One, Huddersfield beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 on Sunday to earn promotion into The Championship.

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Wednesday would see the dishing out of the Annual Awards - and, as expected, Fairway was handed the League Two Manager Of The Year gong. Four of his players - Robbie Williams, Antony Kay, Nuno Morais and Daniel Nardiello - the latter also called up to the Wales squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Holland and Andorra - with Uwe Rosler's side in a strong position, currently second in the group.

Fairway had heard on the grapevine that other clubs were chasing former trialist Mark Doninger , but on Saturday (2nd June) found out for sure. Histon , recently promoted to the Conference, were among the leading contenders, with several Scottish clubs also keeping an eye out. Despite that, he would invite Doninger on trial again, this time for a four-week spell.

Saturday would also see England get off to a winning start under new manager Alan Pardew - a 2-0 win over Albania at Wembley hardly taxing the squad, with Steven Gerrard and Micheal Owen scoring. James Milner earned his first England cap coming off the bench, but fellow new boy Tony Hibbert was not involved. Similarly not involved would be Barnsley striker Daniel Nardiello - not making the matchday squad for Wales' 2-1 home defeat to Holland .
On Wednesday, Denis Smith would take over from the dismissed Ian Holloway as manager of Nottingham Forest . The Forest board claimed that the likeable Holloway, 44, had 'lost the dressing room', but the quick appointment of Smith would cause some cynical Forest fans to say that the move was a prearranged one, after the club missed out on promotion to the Championship in the Playoff Final.

Wednesday also brought the second of the International double header games, in qualification for Euro 2008 . England drew 0-0 against a resolute Romania in Bucharest, whilst Nardiello was an unused sub as Wales cruised to victory over Andorra . The biggest shock though would come in Leverkusen - Northern Ireland defeating Germany 2-1 in their own back yard.

Somewhat suprising news arrived on Sunday - with Mark Doninger turning down contracts with Ayr United and Histon to sign a 4-week trial deal with Barnsley - Fairway delighted by the youngster's attitude, showing he was willing to prove himself at a higher level rather than take the easy money. He would have a quiet couple of weeks with the rest of the squad not due back until the 25th of June, but Fairway countered that it would be an ideal chance for the 17-year old to get his fitness work up to speed - before the first couple of weeks, at least, of preseason - his trial contract expiring on the 8th of July, by which time Fairway hoped his side would have played a couple of friendly matches.

By Tuesday, however, he was off - Doninger agreeing a deal with Northwich Victoria to leave Fairway frustrated and disapointed with the youngster for going back on his word.

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The bad news though would be shortlived - On Wednesday the new fixture list would be announced, and preseason would officially begin again. Barnsley would start their League One campaign with a trip to Nottingham Forest , before Swansea City became the first visitors to Oakwell on the following Tuesday evening. The fixtures would be announced on the same day that Antony Kay was handed the Supporters Club Player Of The Year award for last season - the skipper a rock at the heart of the Tykes defence.

After meeting with Chairman Gordon Shepherd , Fairway learnt of the boards expectations for the season - avoiding relegation, with a mid-table spot preferred. Anything other would be a bonus in the board's eyes - and by Friday, Barnsley's preseason plans would be finalised - five matches, all away from home, with games against Garforth, Barrow, Shrewsbury, Worksop and Matlock providing the opposition. Also on Friday, Wrexham would appoint Denis Smith's successor as manager of the Red Dragons - Billy Stark taking on the role at the Welsh side.

Come Sunday though there was interest closer to home - with two trialists arriving at Barnsley for four-week spells. Belgian Christophe Stevens , 17, and 15-Year old Italian Silvio Ballarin would arrive at Oakwell, with Fairway keen to give the teenagers the chance to impress. Both had been discovered using his knowledge of the European game after his spell at Istres , and seemed delighted to be able to spend time at Oakwell.

Training continued apace - a lot of physical work, with it being preseason, but, unlike some managers, Fairway was keen to introduce the ball early on, getting his side back to the way they finished last season with some full squad games.

On Saturday, as the Transfer Window opened, striker Danny Moore turned 17 - and was immediatley offered a senior deal by Fairway, who was impressed by the striker last term. His pace, workrate and composure made him an asset, although, perhaps, the youngster could do with some work on his finishing. Assistant Stuart Cash seemed especially keen on Moore, echoing Fairway's view that the striker could prove a valuable Barnsley player in the future. Abroad, one of World Football's biggest jobs came up - Brazil manager Carlo Perrera resigning after seeing his side crash out of the Confederations Cup tournement in the early stages, despite hosting the competition.

Sunday would see Martin Devaney complete his switch to Hinckley United , whilst defender Tony Vaughan took freedom of contract, putting up the 'Have Boots, Will Travel' sign - leaving on a free after three years at Oakwell. Also released - by Arsenal - was Johannes Djourou , the Swiss defensive midfielder who had a very successful loan spell at Barnsley last season. Fairway, who had been in contact with the player all summer, reacted quickly, offering a three year deal. Meanwhile, Danny Moore took just 24 hours to decide on his future - signing a new contract with his boyhood club.

No arrivals by Tuesday however - so Barnsley would go to Garforth with principally the same side as last season.

Garforth Town v Barnsley - 3.7.07 - Preseason Friendly

Fairway would, though, hand trialist duo Stevens and Ballarin starting roles - in the defensive midfield holding role and wide left respectivley. Other than that, it was a similar Barnsley side to that which finished last season, the only absentees being Djourou and Joe Hart, with Ubbergen restored between the sticks. An early goal saw the Tykes take the lead on 12 - Austin's long ball, Shuker's cross and Fleetwood's instinctive finish tearing the Unibond League opposition apart. The game, on a warm, summers evening, was played at half pace - and, despite chances, there would just be the one goal seperating the sides at half time. The Tykes would make nine changes at the break - everyone who started the first half bar captain Kay and full back Austin replaced as Fairway sought to give everyone a run out. On 67 though it would be Garforth who grabbed the second of the game - Joyce finishing from close range with an angled drive - with Fairway using his final substitution as a result, throwing Dale Tonge on at right back for Austin. Four minutes later, Barnsley were ahead - Moore meeting Heslop's deep cross practically on the goal line for a tap-in. Marc Richards slammed home the third on 77 after Moore had seen a shot blocked, and, after a brief moment of panic, it was all over - Barnsley's victory fairly comfortable, with both trialists perfoming to the same standard as the rest of the side. An ideal birthday present for the boss!

Garforth 1 - Barnsley 3

retired_jgirl87

Well done on the title and promotion, d_s. Looking forward to your efforts in League One next season. :thup:

retired_brinker317

Cheers Spav, it all came together nicely


With one in, Fairway would turn his attention to cover - specifically at the back. Tottenham defender Leigh Mills would be his main target - the ex- Swindon centre half, 19, targeted in a loan deal for the remainder of the season. Spurs accepted the offer almost immediatley, leaving Fairway waiting for a decision from the player.

The Transfer market though in general was hotting up - and on Friday evening, Sky Sports News reported that Fairway had - reports the manager would later confirm - expressed an interest in signing Blackpool's want-away defender and captain Peter Clarke , with rumours of a £675,000 deal.

Barrow AFC v Barnsley - 7.7.07 - Preseason Friendly

Other, more fanciful transfer rumours would be flying around the away end at Holker Street as the sides took to the field - but the only change in the Tykes lineup would come on the bench - Johannes Djourou named as substitute number 11, trialist Stevens keeping his place. Again, Barnsley would take an early lead - Fleetwood chasing the ball down, and 'keeper Bruce making a mistake under pressure, allowing Wroe an easy close range finish on 18. A stunning solo effort from Nardiello three minutes later saw the visitors comfortably in control - Nardiello added a third on 22, and there perhaps should have been more before the break, with Fleetwood and Shuker both close. Again, changes were made en-masse at the break - Nuno Morais the only one of the starting eleven left on - and Tonge again standing in at right back. The Second period was far quieter - Djourou impressing, however, with the final score at 3-0 a deserved victory.

Barrow 0 - Barnsley 3

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With the Clarke interest rumbling on, Fairway would welcome two new faces to Oakwell on Monday morning - Leigh Mills , on loan for the season from Tottenham Hotspur and former Manchester United striker Arthur Gomez , a Gambian international joining on trial for 3 weeks. Gomez, 23, has played 15 times for his country, bagging six goals, and will get his chance to earn a contract over preseason.

Joining them on Tuesday would be another trialist, 17-year old former West Ham right back Joe Widdowson , on trial for a fortnight with Fairway still seeking cover for Neil Austin . Meanwhile, Ricardo Gomes would be appointed as the new manager of Brazil .

Shrewsbury Town v Barnsley - 11.7.07 - Preseason Friendly

Fairway brought trialists Gomez and Widdowson into his starting eleven - for the first half at least - although, he would explain ahead of the game to local radio that after this match, he intended to use less substitutes, getting the side ready for the big kick off. Barnsley bossed the opening period, twice coming close, but on 36, a lapse by trialist Stevens almost allowed St Aimee in for the home side - denied by a strong saving challenge from Williams. All eleven were changed at the break, with former Shrewsbury 'keeper Joe Hart getting a good reception - his deal including a clause which prompted the friendly. He would get his chance to show the home fans what they had missed on 56 - El-Abd pulling back Stallard at a corner, leading to a penalty. Unfortunatley for Hart, Paul Evans stepped up and scored the spot kick, although the young 'keeper did dive the right way. His replacement at Gay Meadow meanwhile was also impressing - Mawson making a fine instinct stop from Fleetwood on 75, which would lead to a free kick on the edge of the box as Evans fouled when trying to clear. The visitors would fail to score for the first time in preseason - not for the want of trying - but the performance, with two different teams in each half, was promising.

Shrewsbury 1 - Barnsley 0

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Friday - the big one. Manchester United finally appointed a new manager, a month after Sir Alex Ferguson retired. Former United favourite Steve Bruce left Birmingham City to take the role - with ambitions of returning the title to Old Trafford. Loanee Leigh Mills would also have positive news - called into the England Under 19 squad for the European U19 Championships .

With no game for the senior side on Saturday, attentions were instead focussed on the Reserves, with a preseason trip to Sussex County League side Hailsham Town . A second string bolstered by Richard Kell and Danny Moore did well - the usual first team squad members scoring, with Moore getting a brace, in a comfortable 3-0 win.

Sunday though would see a press conference at Oakwell. On Appeal, Barnsley had secured the signature of Columbian teenager Sherman Andrés Cárdenas on a free transfer from Bucaramanga - and Chairman Shepherd was practically on the ceiling with delight. His request of a big name had been more than fufilled - the shy, softly spoken teenager an amazing talent with the ball, and one who, in Fairways words, "should become one of the greatest of all time". No pressure...

On Tuesday morning young Italian trialist Silvio Ballarin got the offer he had been hoping for - a one year youth deal for the 16-Year old, who had initially looked lightweight, signing for Barnsley on a permanent contract. With his age in the equation, Fairway told Ballarin that he would be lucky to be involved with the first team in the coming season, but that the year would give him a chance to prove himself and get used to the rigours of English football. Someone else who failed to settle in English football, Manchester City manager Bert van Marwijk , left these shores on Tuesday afternoon after his City side were relegated - joining Germans Nurnberg .

As Ballarin settled into training, Chris Shuker settled into a chair in Fairway's office. The winger had been the target of transfer activity, and with the signing of Cárdenas, Fairway felt it acceptable to let him go. Bids of £100,000 had been accepted - with Shuker having to decide between Burnley, Derby County, Hartlepool or Oldham Athletic - two Championship, and two League One clubs battling it out for the Scouser's signature.

Worksop Town v Barnsley - 18.7.07 - Preseason Friendly

With the Tykes travelling to Worksop, Fairway would limit his squad to 16 - trying now to finalise his side for the opening day. In fact, with Chris Shuker away discussing terms with other clubs, it would be pretty much a side that could be expected to emerge from the City Ground tunnel on the first day of the new season - just one trialist, striker Arthur Gomez, in the squad and starting, and Cárdenas making his bow in the creative midfield role. Former incumbent Nicky Wroe would switch to the right flank, replacing Shuker. It took 33 seconds for Barnsley to open the scoring - Djourou playing a long ball into the path of Gomez, who did his contract hopes no end of good with a clever cutback for Nardiello to net from close range. On 6, Nardiello netted again - from a Wroe cross this time - and Barnsley were in control. With the scores still comfortable at the break, Fairway replaced a tiring Gomez with Fleetwood and Howard with Heslop. Nardiello though didn't mind who he was alongside - a fearsome shot on the turn after Fleetwood had worked in a Wroe long throw, on 49, claiming his hatrick. The fourth would arrive on 55 - a cross poorly dealt with, and an unmarked Morais on the edge of the box leading to a powerful, driven effort that gave 'keeper Sollitt no chance. On 78, Fairway made another change, with Kell replacing Cárdenas - who had impressed, linking up well with Djourou to give Barnsley what certainly looked like a strong midfield packed with ability.

Worksop 0 - Barnsley 4

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Wednesday evening would see the appointment of German Bernd Schuster to the managers role at St Andrews - Birmingham City going abroad to replace Steve Bruce . Bruce, in his new job as Manchester United manager, found himself linked - as usual - to half of Europe's best players.

After the success of the Reserve match against Hailsham Town , Fairway decided to arrange three more friendlies in Sussex for the Second string - believing them an ideal opportunity to give trialists and fringe players match practice ahead of the big kick off, with just one Senior friendly remaining. On Thursday, they were confirmed - Three Bridges and Littlehampton Town of the Sussex County League, and Horsham of the Ryman Premier, providing the opposition and the venue.

Ex-England International Chris Powell hit the news on Friday morning, appointed to his first managerial role at Manchester City . An interesting choice for the job, Powell, 37, took the job at Eastlands knowing that City supporters - and board - would expect an instant return to the Premiership.

With three summer signings to date, Fairway decided to shave some outgoings off the wage bill, by letting two fringe players - Dale Tonge and Paul Heckingbottom - talk to other clubs. Interest was high - by Saturday morning, bids had been accepted from Chelmsford, Cheltenham, Chester, Southport, Berwick Rangers, Burton and Nuneaton for Tonge , while Heckingbottom was the subject of interest from Cheltenham, Chester, Rushden & Diamonds and Hibernian .

Saturday would also see the Reserves beat Littlehampton by a goal to nil - Danny Moore netting the only goal at The Sportsfield.

On Sunday morning, as trialist Christophe Stevens left the club, winger Chris Shuker would also be off - joining Derby County for £100,000. Although he initially had regrets about the move, selling Shuker would allow Fairway to reduce his wage bill yet further - around £15,000 still in the kitty for wages, plus around £1 Million in the transfer budget, should the League One season start so badly that changes were needed before the close of the transfer window.

Trialist Joe Widdowson would leave the club on Tuesday - his two week spell at Oakwell not a success, and the full back told Fairway as he left that he was considering careers outside of football.

Matlock Town v Barnsley - 25.7.07 - Preseason Friendly

With five subs, and only one change - Fleetwood replacing Gomez, for the final first team friendly of preseason, Fairway saw his side take an early lead at Causeway Lane. On 9 minutes, Cárdenas flicked the ball through, into the path of Nardiello , who was able to fire home at the near post. The Columbian then tried his own bit of magic - hitting the bar with a lob on 12 - as the Tykes continued to create chances. They would have to wait until 32 to add a second - Djourou releasing Cárdenas, who tried a shot from the edge of the box which 'keeper Richmond only blocked into the path of Nardiello , who made no mistake. Howard's chipped pass from the left saw a third just four minutes later - Fleetwood this time on target. Barnsley continued to knock the ball around nicely as the first half became the second - on 64, a fine move in particular saw Wroe leave his marker for dead, only to see his cross cleared. It was the call for Fairway to make changes - Fleetwood for Richards, Howard for Heslop, El-Abd for Austin and Hart for Ubbergen. There would be no fourth - a late Cárdenas header flashing wide - but the win would be a solid platform for Barnsley to start their League campaign from.

Matlock 0 - Barnsley 3

Update 45

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On Thursday morning, Paul Heckingbottom left Oakwell - joining Hibernian for £20,000 - the 30 Year old never a regular at Barnsley under Fairway's management. By Lunchtime, Dale Tonge would join him on the way out - moving to Chester City for a fee of £10,000 - making three sales in a week to earn over £100,000 for the club.

Fairway would travel to Sussex with the Reserves on Saturday, in order to watch the second of their 'tour' games in Sussex, against Horsham . Not travelling would be trialist Arthur Gomez , leaving the club after failing to win a contract. It didn't seem to affect the second string - winning 3-1, with Danny Moore grabbing a hatrick. Unfortunatley, winger Neil Higgins limped off with a heel injury, leaving him sidelined for around 3 weeks.

The week before the big kick off, however, would start badly - Robbie Williams picking up a knee cruciate injury, seeing him ruled out for around a month. Fairway though was amazed at how medical science is coming on - remarking to the downcast fullback that, in his day, players were often forced out of the game with such injuries.

The reaction was enormous - the club shop did a roaring trade in new shirts, emblazoned with 'Viana 7' - Fairway too, allowed himself a grin - Djourou, Wroe, Viana and Cárdenas - surely the best midfield in League One - and full of flair. It would certainly be an exciting season. With that happy thought, he decided it was time to produce his annual squad listing - and a look at where those who he had sold had gone.

As he re-read his notes, Fairway had no doubt that the squad was strong - with just one question mark over cover on the right of defence. With three days to go before Barnsley's league opener, he would seek to fill that gap before the trip to Nottingham Forest, with bids launched for two names previously noted by scouts Andy Kemp and Ben Biggar .

As Danny Nardiello signed a new three-year contract extension on Friday morning, Fairway learned that one of his targets, Dundee United youngster Stuart Abbott would not be joining the club - instead signing on a nominal fee for Bradford City . Meanwhile, the first round draw of the Carling Cup would pit Barnsley against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough,

On Friday evening, the second name on Fairway's right-back list arrived - and would join. Kamil Niewiadomski - his name also earning the club shop a fortune, but for different reasons to Viana - signing a three year deal after a £35,000 transfer. Capped 4 times by his native Poland, the 20-year old, comfortable at full or wing back on the right, signed from German outfit Plauen , and as the season there is still a good month away from starting, will require some fairly intensive training to get him up to match fitness before his introduction to the team.

Nottingham Forest v Barnsley - 4.8.07 - League One

Barnsley's League One opener would see debutants Cardenás and Viana start, with Djourou making his first appearance since joining the Tykes permanently in a new look midfield - just Wroe, on the right, of last season's regulars. At the back it would be the same - Atkinson replacing the injured Williams - with Nardiello and Fleetwood up front. The opening saw both sides feeling each other out on a warm, sunny day - Fleetwood coming closest for the visitors, while Kyle missed a 27th minute sitter for Forest. On 31 though Barnsley played a long ball forward, and as he tried to cut outside, Cardenás was tripped by Thompson - Nardiello burying the resulting penalty. The Welshman should have added a second on 42 - put through by Viana, only to shoot wide. Comfortable at the break, Fairway left his side unchanged - and on 51, he was proved correct, with Richards coming on for Nardiello, who had taken a hefty blow to the chest. Forest levelled on 56 - Tyson from close range after Gardner had seen an effort well saved - the difference in class since stepping up plain to see. Barnsley and Forest both continued to battle, winning corners and trading attack for defence as the game ebbed and flowed. Finally, on 94, Viana found Cardenás, who slipped the ball inside for Wroe to tease Thompson again. This time, there was no foul - Wroe beating his man, and crossing to the near post where the Portugese midfielder was waiting to tap home. It had certainly been hard fought - but the win, on the opening day, was exactly what Fairway had hoped for.

Nottingham Forest 1 - Barnsley 2

Attendance; 20098

Barnsley League Position; 10th

retired_brinker317

Bad news for Daniel Nardiello after the game - his injury confirmed as a broken rib, keeping him out for up to two months, and immediatley blowing a hole in Fairway's attack. With a game on Tuesday, there would be some intense training in the next few days for the two youngsters hoping to replace him...

Barnsley v Swansea City - 7.8.07 - League One

Danny Moore would win the race - the 17 year old on the bench, with Richards replacing an injured Nardiello in an otherwise unchanged side. The Tykes were greeted onto the Oakwell pitch with loud applause and cheers, particularly the new faces - and promptly set about Swansea with determination. After several chances, the breakthrough came on 18 - Fleetwood's pass finding Cardenás , who opened the scores with an exquisite chip from close range. Comfortably in command at the break, Fairway replaced a tiring Fleetwood with Moore - and saw his side net a second on 47 when Watt tripped Richards. Viana stepped up, and despite a hostile visiting support to his right, kept his cool to slot home the spot kick. Swansea's chances consisted mainly of long balls aimed at the head of the wasteful Gray, with Ubbergen rarely troubled. On 83, Moore provided the cross for Richards , at the second attempt, to stab home the third, and Fairway reorganised - Djourou and Cardenás off to widespread applause, with Mills and Heslop replacing them. There would be little for the subs to do - the win long ago wrapped up - and in style too.

Barnsley 3 - Swansea 0

Attendance; 11537

Barnsley League Position; 1st