AUGUST 2006
FOLLOWING the euphoria of May's promotion success in Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, Andy Ritchie prepared his team for their return to the Coca Cola Championship.
The departures of Stephen McPhail and Chris Shuker hit hard as the Reds were forced to play catch up in their transfer dealings after a late end to the previous season. Sam Togwell and Michael McIndoe were the only additions to the squad as Ritchie kept faith with most of the side that won promotion from League One.
Togwell and McIndoe made their Barnsley debuts on a sunny August afternoon as Cardiff City - and McPhail - came to Oakwell. Things got off to the worst possible start as the Reds were taught a harsh lesson in the quality of the Championship as Joe Ledley and Steve Thompson put the Bluebirds two up inside 22 minutes.
Barnsley rallied when Brian Howard announced his arrival on the Championship stage with a stunning goal to cut the deficit. After that it was all Barnsley but a combination of poor finishing and bad luck cost the Reds an opening day point.
The Reds travelled to Hull City three days later and again found themselves two down inside the first nine minutes as Jon Parkin ran the Barnsley defence ragged. A first Barnsley goal for Michael McIndoe on the stroke of half time gave the Reds new impetus and when Marc Richards levelled on 49 minutes it was game on at the KC Stadium. Barnsley won it late on when Paul Hayes headed home from close range to give Ritchie his first Championship victory.
Things did not get any easier the following weekend as the Reds made the long trip to Colchester United and again found themselves behind when Greg Halford headed home on 43 minutes. Richards levelled shortly after the break before Howard smashed a wonderful winner late in the game to give the Reds back to back away wins.
Richards and Hayes were again on target when Southampton came to Oakwell on August 19. This time Grzegorz Rasiak was the Saints star man as the Pole also bagged a brace in an entertaining draw.
A much changed Barnsley side traveled to Blackpool in the Carling Cup the following Tuesday and Robbie Williams and Martin Devaney scored goals that looked to have sealed the Reds passage. However, a late equaliser in extra time by Scott Vernon meant a tense penalty shoot out. Bobby Hassell netted the winning spot kick.
Barnsley were again taught a harsh lesson in the quality of the Championship on August 26 when they traveled to Carrow Road to face Norwich City. A goal down and a man down following Antony Kay's dismissal and Rob Earnshaw's penalty, the Reds were tore apart in the second half as the Canaries ran out comfortable 5-1 winners. Paul Hayes netted the Reds goal.
August 2006
P6 W2 D2* L2
* Reds won the Carling Cup game on penalties.
SEPTEMBER 2006
AFTER a decent start to the new campaign, Andy Ritchie's side continued their good form with a hard-fought draw against Stoke City at Oakwell on September 9, 2007.
Again the Reds had to come from behind but Tommy Wright and Paul Hayes netted the goals in a 2-2 draw.
Barnsley then traveled to Burnley and found themselves in the strange position of being two goals to the good after Michael McIndoe ran the Clarets ragged to put his side in front early on with a fine brace.
However, Jon Harley pulled one back from a free kick on the stroke of half time and a Gifton Noel Williams inspired Burnley ran riot after the break to emerge comfortable 4-2 winners on the night.
Wolves were next at Oakwell and Mick McCarthy's men were sent packing back to Molineux with their tales between their legs after Marc Richards netted the only goal of the game. It was a fine display by the Reds and they showed a never-say-die attitude that would serve them well in the closing weeks of the season.
After the highs of beating Wolves, Barnsley were brought back down to earth with a bump on September 19 as League Two side MK Dons dumped Ritchie's men out of the Carling Cup. It was a disappointing evening although McIndoe netted the Reds' goal in a 2-1 reverse.
Barnsley then traveled to face Preston North End on September 22 in front of the Sky cameras. The game started badly as Nick Colgan was harshly sent off early on and Patrick Agymang netted for the Lilywhites shortly after. However, Barnsley went on to dominate the game and the ten men were desperately unlucky not to come back from Deepdale with at least a point.
They should have had something to show for their efforts again the following Saturday as new-signing Vito Mannone gifted Luton Town a last minute winner at Oakwell when he dropped the ball at the feet of Ahmet Brkovic. Luton won the game 2-1 with Brian Howard on the scoresheet for Barnsley.
September 2006
P6 W1 D1 L4
OCTOBER 2006
OCTOBER started with bitter disappointment as the Reds crashed to a late, late defeat at Sheffield Wednesday after playing most of the game with ten men.
Former Owl Paul Heckingbottom let the side down in the first half when he picked up a rash pair of yellow cards to leave Andy Ritchie's men with it all to do. Brian Howard levelled things up as the Reds took Wednesday to the cleaners for most of the game only to be stung by Chris Brunt's late winner.
The Reds were back in action at Oakwell on October 17 when Plymouth Argyle came to town. Argyle proved to be one of the best sides seen at Oakwell for many a year and the Reds had to fight tooth and nail to get something from the game. Antony Kay and Marc Richards got the goals in a 2-2 draw.
Ritchie then took his side to the Stadium of Light four days later and the Reds battled wonderfully hard for 70 minutes only to be undone late on by Roy Keane's fast improving Black Cats. Sunderland won the game 2-0.
Again, battling Barnsley almost did enough to get a point a week later when Coventry City came to Oakwell on October 28. It was a tough encounter, marred by a mass confrontation in the centre circle following Michael Doyle's ridiculously late challenge on Brian Howard. It took until the 84th minute for the break through but it was Sky Blues substitute Wayne Andrews who settled the game with a crisp finish.
October 2006
P4 W0 D1 L3
NOVEMBER 2006
BARNSLEY kicked off November with a daunting trip to Pride Park to line up against Billy Davies' promotion chasing Derby County side.
Andy Ritchie's team started the game brilliantly and were in front early on when Bobby Hassell netted a fine goal. The Reds dominated the first half and most of the second but a crazy 15-minute spell saw Giles Barnes net two crackers to settle the game.
Leeds United were next to visit Oakwell on November 4. It was a real cracker and the Reds got off to the best possible start when Marc Richards opened the scoring. Two goals in two minutes put Leeds on the front foot as Shaun Derry and Robbie Blake found the back of the net before Barnsley staged a memorable second half comeback. Michael McIndoe hit the first and then Brian Howard smashed in a 76th minute winner.
The Reds were on the road again on November 11 when they traveled to Birmingham City. The Blues proved to be just too strong on the day and ran out easy winner.
A bad month at Oakwell looked a lot gloomier a week later when the Reds made the long trip to Crystal Palace and were undone early on as the home side ran in two easy goals.
The defeat at Selhurst Park proved to be one loss too many for the Reds Board and manager Andy Ritchie was sacked just days later. Academy Manager Simon Davey was handed the reigns on a caretaker basis and swiftly made his move into the transfer market signing Leon Knight, Ronnie Wallwork, Grant McCann and Kyel Reid on loan.
All four were involved on November 25 as the Reds entertained Ipswich Town at Oakwell in Davey's first game in charge. It was an afternoon to remember for Davey and for McCann, who netted the only goal of the game late on.
Davey worked his magic again three days later when the Reds comfortable beat Southend United at Oakwell. Howard and Kyel Reid were on target in a vital 2-0 success.
Things were looking up but Davey was brought crashing back down to earth at the end of November when the news came through that impressive midfielder Wallwork had been stabbed in an incident in Manchester. Wallwork's injuries ended his loan spell and gave Davey a massive test just a week into management.
November 2006
P6 W3 D0 L3
DECEMBER 2006
WITH the Reds distracted by the news about Ronnie Wallwork, the last thing Davey needed was a trip to Leeds United but his side did wonderfully well in the circumstances.
Daniel Nardiello netted a stunning brace to put the Reds in the driving seat but Leeds twice hit back to level the game. In the end both sides had to be content with a point.
The Reds faced West Brom eight days later in front of the Sky cameras and capped a stunning first half with Paul Hayes' goal to cancel out Jason Koumas excellent opener. Again both sides had be content with a point.
A pair of difficult away trips followed as the Reds defensive problems mounted as they were caught out twice at Leicester City and then by Queens Park Rangers. Barnsley failed to score in both matches to give Davey a lot to think about heading into the Christmas programme.
Things got better on Boxing Day as Martin Devaney netted the only goal of the game against Burnley but Oakwell was left reeling on New Years Eve as Sheffield Wednesday ran riot hitting three without reply.
December 2006
P6 W1 D2 L3
JANUARY 2007
SIMON Davey was appointed Barnsley FC's new permanent manager hours before the Reds traveled to Molineux to kick off 2007 against Wolves.
His first job as full time boss was to line up against former Red Michael McIndoe and Wolverhampton. Davey's team battled hard and had Nick Colgan to thank after the keeper saved from the spot but in the end the Reds were undone by two more late, late goals.
The Reds then traveled to face Southend United in the FA Cup Third Round. Faced with a monsoon at Roots Hall, Barnsley did well to sneak a replay when Michael Coulson's controversial equaliser cancelled out Freddy Eastwood's second half strike.
It was back to the league a week later when Preston North End came to Oakwell and sneaked a win thanks to Liam Chilvers' second half header.
Things got even worse three days later as the Reds turned in their worst display of the campaign as they crashed out of the FA Cup at the hands of Southend in the replay at Oakwell. The 2-0 defeat was probably the lowest point of the season.
Things had to change and Davey's side bounced back in spectacular fashion at Luton Town on January 20. Brian Howard opened the scoring early on and Martin Devaney netted a late second to pick up three vital points.
Howard was again on target ten days later as he bagged against Queens Park Rangers at Oakwell in a 2-0 home win that helped lift the Reds towards safety.
January 2007
P6 W2 D1 L3
FEBRUARY 2007
THE last day of January saw the Reds swoop into the transfer market to sign Hungarian internationals Istvan Ferenczi and Peter Rajczi.
The pair made their Barnsley debuts in front of the Sky cameras at Cardiff City on February 2 but it was the Bluebirds who were smiling after Peter Whittingham and Michael Chopra gave the home side a 2-0 win.
The Reds failed to find a winning formula again on February 10 when Jamie Cureton inspired Colchester United to a 3-0 win at Oakwell.
Things were looking bleak and it got even worse as a late, late rally by Southampton against a ten man Reds saw the Saints run out 5-2 winners at St Mary's on February 17. Daniel Nardiello and Ferenczi were on target for the Reds.
Again Davey needed some inspiration and Nardiello's dismissal against Southampton forced him to throw Ferenczi and Rajczi into the starting eleven against Hull City on February 20. It worked a treat as Ferenczi bagged a brace and Rajczi the other one in a thoroughly deserved 3-0 win against the Reds relegation rivals.
Ferenczi was on target again six days later as he netted the only goal of the game in front of the Sky cameras at Stoke City.
February 2007
P5 W2 D0 L3
MARCH 2007
ISTVAN Ferenczi's goals had put the Reds within touching distance of safety but back-to-back home defeats at the start of March against Norwich City and Sunderland really threw a spanner into the works.
Ferenczi was on target against the Canaries but could not prevent his side slipping to a 3-1 reverse while title chasing Sunderland won 2-0 at Oakwell a week later.
Simon Davey needed a big performance from his team and he got it on March 14 at Plymouth Argyle as Ferenczi, Lewin Nyatanga and a stunning brace from Martin Devaney secured a sensational 4-2 success.
Again the wheels came off in spectacular fashion just days later as the Reds crashed to a 4-1 defeat at Coventry City on Saturday March 17. Bobby Hassell's header was all that Davey's team had to show for a miserable afternoon at the Ricoh Arena.
Another defeat followed, this time on March 31 when Derby County battled their way to a 2-1 success at Oakwell, leaving the Reds needing a massive improvement in the final month if they were to secure safety.
March 2007
P5 W1 D0 L4
APRIL / MAY 2007
AFTER a disappointing March, things went from bad to worse at the start of April as a late collapse saw Ipswich Town romp to a 5-1 success at Portman Road.
Simon Davey kept his wounded troops in the dressing room for the best part of a hour after the game and let rip as the Reds survival hopes looked slim.
His players responded to a man with a stunning victory over Birmingham City at Oakwell on April 9. Daniel Nardiello netted the only goal of the game, which was marred by ugly scenes afterwards as City took defeat hard.
A must win trip to Southend United followed and again Nardiello stole the show as his two goals and a strike from Kyel Reid helped the Reds to a vital 3-1 success and an even more important three points.
The Reds had clawed their way close to safety and when Nardiello's brace sealed the points against Crystal Palace on April 21 it was almost job done.
Davey's team needed to beat Leicester City on April 28 to secure Championship survival. In the end, results elsewhere meant the Reds had done enough even thought they lost the game against the Foxes. Following chaotic scenes at Elland Road, survival was confirmed half an hour after the Reds had finished against Leicester. Davey had done the seemingly impossible and masterminded the great escape at Oakwell.
In the end, the final match of the season at West Brom did not matter. The Reds were beaten out of sight by an Albion side chasing the play offs but Davey will get another crack at the Championship next season.
April / May 2007
P6 W3 D0 L3
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