So far So Good...

Barnsley FC responded to the grimace of many who doubted the manager's redevelopment schemes, after hosts of players were bought as reinforcement. Pre-season is all about getting a close eye on the fitness of the squad. However, when victory keeps coming it doesn't cause any harm to the morale boost, especially when a goal glut comes with clean sheets every time.

Barnsley FC travelled to Glanford Park to face Scunthorpe United on the back of victory against South York derby rival Sheffield Wednesday- capped off a five star performance and continued their progress which according to manager Keith Hill was "exceptional, outstanding".

All the 5 goals came in the 1st half- The Reds displayed some vintage exhibition of passing football and looked lively and lethal every time in goal mouth. Brace from striker Craig Davies and goals from trialist Vaz Te, Kyle Reid and Nathan Doyle gave Barnsley 5-0 lead at half time. 2nd half saw the host attempted a comeback but Reds’ goal keeper Preece confidently thwarted all the dangers. Defence was Hill's primary concern when he took the hot seat earlier this summer, no brainer the gaffer is delighted with back to back clean sheets- " Yes, a clean sheet, that is really important."

Keeping aside all the talks of pre-season friendly, the cohesive link up throughout the pitch was more pleasing. The team seemed to have gelled nicely, and an air of confidence is clearly visible. The manager seemed to have gained the command of dressing room, earning respect and trust.

"We can only do what we can do. The belief is there, the trust in one another. I trust the players and they trust in me."- The gaffer said.

Championship football will kick off next week. The reds will play their 1st game away to Nottingham forest. For the sceptics, who keep saying it is only pre-season, Hill demands to judge them based on good works they have done so far.

The manager added- "We play the games because we are preparing ourselves for the season, so you have to judge us on what we have done so far. The real season starts next week at Nottingham Forest and we are really excited by it."

It is a marathon race. Until now, no crosses on the side box, only ticks. Building a good squad was Hill's primary task- tick, gelling them was second- tick, results to prove that things are in shape- tick- Now green signal and 'best of luck' for the season ahead.

Miles to go...

Keith Hill's rebuilding process is on the rise, as Barnsley FC confirms the signing of Derby County's Miles Addison on a six-month loan.

Miles Addison, 22, is a former England U-21 international, can operate at central defence and central midfield will be a valuable addition to the club. He becomes the sixth signing of the season under the new boss.

Miles, rated highly by the 'Rams' fans is a product of much talked about their academy. He recently signed a contract extension and committed his future at Pride Park until the summer of 2013. Addison, recovered from a last season horrendous foot injury is looking forward to cementing his place in the team by gaining match fitness and regular starting line up. Manager Nigel Clough of Derby County says that 'Addison's loan move to Barnsley will give the defender perfect platform to build up his match sharpness'.

In that situation, the loan transfer to Barnsley, perfectly suits both the club. Earlier, Barnsley FC sold their talismanic defender Jason Shackell to Derby County. Miles will straight away walk into the first team and fill the void left by Shackell. Clough said- ''Miles was in and out of the team in the 2nd half of the last season and Barnsley can give him the first team football that we can't right now.'' But, he is a part of the team's future, the gaffer expressed his delight saying- ''we are delighted with that (the transfer).... Miles will be there for six months and we will renew again things in January.'' However, as a part of the agreement, he won't be able to play against Derby at Pride Park when the two sides meet on 27th September, 2011.

The defender has the experience of 77 first team appearance under his belt after graduating from Derby County academy. The deal clearly matches Hill's ambition to take the club forward. On 17th June, when asked about the possible transfer of Miles Addison, the boss said- ''Miles is a player I admire... I know him well and he is someone I would like to see come here.'' Tyke's boss has full faith in Addison's versatile attributes. He described him as a 'multi-positional' player, and concluded- 'he would be a great acquisition for Barnsley Football club.'

New Season

Last season, was a shocker for Barnsley. They narrowly escaped relegation, and finished the table at 17th. On 1st June, 2011 Barnsley FC announced the appointment of Keith Hill as their first team manager and David Flitcroft as his assistant.

The ex-Rochdale man got himself busy in the task of rebuilding the team, as the club eager to shake off their last season's debacle and start a new journey. The rumours of star defender, Jason Shackell 'nashing' Oakwell grew strong as Hill said- '' I am resigned to loosing Jason. I've spoken to his representative and he has made it very clear that Jason Shackell wants to leave Barnsley.''

Summat reminiscent to the tone of Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish, he said- '' He is an excellent player who will be missed..... what we do need are players, who want to play for Barnsley Football Club.''

Shackell's transfer to Derby County was confirmed on June 21st. A signing by Mark Robins, he was Barnsley's star player last season. Striker Liam Dickinson also left the club by mutual consent.

David Perkins will become Hill's 1st signing on 1st July, 2011. The 28 year old energetic midfielder from Colchester United penned a 2 year contract, teaming up with former Rochdale Boss. Hill has expressed his elation- '' I am excited by this signing and he should be judged on what he does rather than where he's come from.''

The club has been busy in securing other deals as well. Chesterfield forward Craig Davies will pen a 2 yr contract at Oakwell when his deal at Chesterfield will expire on July 1st. Hill went on to raid his former club, as Barnsley FC confirmed the signature of midfielder Matt Done and defender Scott Wiseman. Done is a versatile play maker while Wiseman is expected to fill the void left by Shackell. Defence has been the main area of concern for Hill. The Reds wrapped up this week in style, securing the signature of Liverpool born defender, Jimmy McNulty from Brighton and Hove Albion.

The Reds will play their 1st Championship match away to Nottingham Forest. Hill feels pressure will be on Forest, as Barnsley will go as underdogs. '' we will go under the radar and hopefully pick pocket them''- he said.

Keith Hill is known for his excellent man-management. Fans are equally confident about their new season campaign. Life long supporter Mick, feels top half of the table will be a good season for us, and praised his new manager. Another local lad Mark Coles also feel the same way- 'midtable or top half will be a good season''.

Everything Barnsley

Let me first introduce myself. I am Saikat Mandal, a pass out media graduate from University of Bedfordshire, UK. I have shifted to Barnsley recently, and already feeling like home.

This blog will feature everything related to Barnsley and most importantly Barnsley FC.