Barnsley F.C. season 2008-09

:"This article is about the 2008-09 season for Barnsley Football Club. For more information about the club see the main Barnsley F.C. article, and for previous seasons see the History of Barnsley F.C."

Preparation for 2008/09

The first signing for the new season was announced on June 25; Canadian international striker Iain Hume in a £1.2 million switch from relegated Leicester City [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/barnsley/7473562.stm] , the clubs first seven-figure signing since 1999. On 27 June Barnsley again dipped into the transfer market to sign Argentinian defensive midfielder Hugo Roberto Colace from Newell's Old Boys and French left winger come left-back Mounir El Haimour from Swiss side Neuchatel Xamax. On 2 July, a transfer was secured for experienced central defender Darren Moore of Derby County. The final pre-season transfer came on 8 August with a season-long loan deal for former Dutch U21 star Maceo Rigters from Blackburn Rovers.

Players In

2008/09 Season

Overview

Barnsley had a poor start to their 2008/9 season, winning only two of their first ten league matches and going for a run of five games without scoring a goal. The Reds clinched the loan signing of Derby winger Gary Teale for a month on August 15th, covering for the midfield injuries of Mounir El Haimour, Jamal Campbell-Ryce and the failure to gain international clearance for Hugo Colace. The club made history in their away game at Ipswich Town on September 30th when they fielded striker Reuben Noble-Lazarus, who became the Football League's youngest ever player at 15 years and 45 days; beating a record which had stood since 1929.

On the 2nd October, team captain Brian Howard departed the club for rivals Sheffield United on a loan deal with a view to a permanent move. Two days later, the team came from behind with ten men to beat Doncaster Rovers 4-1 at Oakwell.

hort Match Reports

Coca-Cola Championship unless stated.

Matchday One - QPR 2-1 Barnsley

Barnsley's new season got off to a flying start with Iain Hume scoring his first Barnsley goal just five minutes into his debut. However, two goals in as many minutes from Fitz Hall resulted in a defeat despite a battling performance from the side. Marciano van Homoet was dismissed late on for a crude challenge on Daniel Parejo.

Crewe 2-0 Barnsley - Carling Cup Round One

Two penalties from Michael O'Connor and Anthony Elding were enough to see Crewe through to Round Two despite a possession barrage from the Reds throughout the game.

Matchday Two - Barnsley 1-2 Coventry

The visitors put themselves in front after ten minutes here, with a strike from Freddy Eastwood. Captain Brian Howard managed an equaliser just before the break, but a second half goal from Julian Gray proved decisive. Iain Hume was sent off late on for the hosts.

Matchday Three - Birmingham City 2-0 Barnsley

Goals from Kevin Phillips and Garry O'Connor were enough to see Birmingham to a 2-0 win at St Andrews despite a gallant performance from the Reds.

Matchday Four - Barnsley 2-0 Derby County

It took 71 minutes, but late goals from Iain Hume and Stephen Foster were enough to secure Barnsley's first win of the season against struggling Derby County.

Matchday Five - Blackpool 1-0 Barnsley

A single goal by Steve Kabba in the 86th minute sunk the Reds who had the best of the game.

Matchday Six - Barnsley 0-1 Cardiff

A shocker of a performance saw Cardiff leave Oakwell with all 3 points. Peter Whittingham scored the only goal of the game.

Matchday Seven - Southampton 0-0 Barnsley

Another goalless performance from the Reds should have reaped reward when Iain Hume rounded the keeper, only to shoot into the side netting.

Matchday Eight - Barnsley 0-0 Norwich City

Goaless again after another frustrating day for the reds. Jon Macken missed a penalty kick in the first half.

Matchday Nine - Ipswich Town 3-0 Barnsley

Goals from Jon Stead, Owen Garvan and Ivan Campo heaped the pressure upon Barnsley manager Simon Davey. The main talking point of the match, however, was Reuben Noble-Lazarus who came off the bench to become the Football League's youngest ever player at 15 years and 45 days.

Matchday Ten - Barnsley 4-1 Doncaster Rovers

Forty-eight minutes into this match, Barnsley found themselves a goal down at home (thanks to a first-half penalty taken by Brian Stock) and not having scored scored in five games. However, successive goals from Stephen Foster, Jamal Campbell-Ryce, substitute Jon Macken and Iain Hume ended the goal drought and made this their second win of the season; also equaling their best ever result under manager Simon Davey.

Goalscorers

League Goals (Cup Goals)

* Iain Hume 3
* Stephen Foster 2
* Jon Macken 1
* Jamal Campbell-Ryce 1
* Brian Howard 1