2000 - 2001

After only failing to reach the Premier league because of defeat in the play off final last season hopes were high amongst the support that the club would take the final step this time round and reach the promised land.

However the squad had lost its strong right hand side with the departures of the experienced Nicky Eaden and Craig Hignett along with the end of the loan spell of John Curtis.

To cover the loss Dave Bassett brought in the inexperienced Carl Regan from Everton and Lee Jones from Tranmere.

He put both into the team for the opening game against Norwich along with academy product Antony Kay.

It was an unforgettable game for the newcomers.

Regan, who was making his league debut, was sent off after only 20 minutes.

Kay was substituted in the following reshuffle with another academy youngster Brian O'Callaghan replaced him.

Then to cap it all Jones scored to give the 10 men a winning start.

The home form in the early part of the season was impressive with the opening six games all being won.

Away from Oakwell it was a different story with no points from four games and included two heavy defeats at the hands of Fulham and Birmingham.

It was at the game at Craven Cottage that another new signing, Mateo Corbo was introduced.

Three days later and Bassett gave trialist, Ian Woan a starting spot at Crystal Palace.

It became worrying that while the Reds still could not get a result away from home their form at Oakwell began to suffer.

The results were depressing as only one point was gained from the next five home games.

It was a hard time for everybody involved at the club and the optimism at the start of the season seemed light years away.

Bassett stated that the current team had five games to show that they had the 'bottle' and they responded in the first of those games with a 2-1 win at Preston.
However injuries meant that a number of players could not show there worth.

The shortage of players meant that Bassett brought in a couple of experienced campaigners on loan.

Neil Maddison from Middlesborough and Stuart Ripley from Southampton being the players in question but such was the teams luck that Maddison had to return to the North East after only three appearances due to a groin injury.

Finally a home win was secured when local rivals Sheffield Wednesday visited.

Bruce Dyer scoring the only goal and a week later he repeated the feat to give the Reds another three points against Portsmouth.

The away form was still disappointing and in the match at Wolves another Bassett signing Janni Salli from Finland came on as a substitute but the team lost 2-0.

A poor display in a goal less draw against Sheffield United was followed by another defeat at Stockport.

However the announcement the following Monday that Bassett was leaving the club came as a surprise to most.

Yet again Eric Winstanley became stand in manager while the search for a new one began.

The Reds won one game of the five that he was in charge of.

Then after going out in the cup at Leeds it was announced that Nigel Spackman was to be the new man at the helm.

Injury had again struck with Salli being ruled out for a minimum of six months.

His first match in charge showed just how much work was required as the Reds were outplayed by Birmingham at Oakwell with the 3-2 score line in favour of the Blues flattering the Reds.

Derek Fazackerley was brought in as first team coach with Peter Shirtliff leaving the club and Winstanley becoming chief scout.

On the playing side Steve Hayward from Fulham and Isaiah Rankin from Bradford City were signed.

Despite Hayward scoring on his debut they went down 2-1 at Burnley.

The position was now causing a lot of concern especially as the next two games were against high flying Fulham and Blackburn.

They were to gain a lot of confidence from two backs to the wall performances that brought two goal less draws but another defeat at fellow strugglers Q.P.R. meant that only two points separated them from a relegation place.

A crucial win over Crystal Palace in the next match brought Neil Shipperley his first goal since early October.

It was the confidence booster the club was looking for and wins against Crewe and Grimsby followed.

Some of the pressure was relieved and despite a set back at Nottingham Forest the following three games were all won and the 50-point safety mark was reached.

With that target reached and the injury crisis deepening Spackman decided to blood some of the youngsters who had progressed through the Academy.

The home form suffered with two more defeats but a Shipperley special brought a win at Bramell Lane and a draw was secured at Wimbledon.

The Reds went back to Sheffield the following week, this time to Hillsborough where in the end they suffered their first derby defeat of the season despite making Wednesday look like ameteurs for 80 minutes.

Three more defeats against Preston, Bolton and Portsmouth signalled the end of the campaign.

In the AXA FA cup the club was knocked out by top level opposition, 1-0 for the second successive season.

This time the opposition being Leeds.

In the Worthington League cup Rotherham and Crewe were beaten, all four legs being won before they went out 3-2 to a last minute goal at Stoke.

2001/2002

WITH a pre-season trip to Tenerife still fresh in the memory the Reds started the 2001/02 season in confident mood.

Boss Nigel Spackman was confident that the new arrivals of Kevin Donovan, Dean Gorre and Kevin Gallen could offset the departures on Neil Shipperley and Martin Bullock and with Kevin Dixon aiming to recover from a fractured shin, the Reds were hoping for a successful campaign

Steve Hayward, Janne Salli and Carl Barrowclough were all on the sidelines at the start of the season.

The new season kicked off in the sun at Valley Parade against newly relegated Bradford City, who were aiming to bounce straight back into the Premier League at the first attempt. It was a disaster.

Spackman's team started the game brightly but despite dominating the opening exchanges, the Reds were hit by two sucker punches as Ashley Ward netted a hash penalty and Eion Jess made it 2-0 just before the break.

To make matters worse, Mitch Ward was sent off for two bookings is as many minutes as the Reds looked on the verge of collapse.

The second half was not much better as a Beni Carbone inspired City ran wild and came out worthy 4-0 winners.

Defeat away on the opening day would set the tone for the season as Barnsley would not pick up three points on their travels until Boxing Day.

Spackman stuck with the same side for the Reds first game at Oakwell against Nottingham Forest a week later with Lee Crooks, Donovan, Gorre and Gallen making home debuts.

Gallen struck the first goal midway through the opening period to put the Reds in front but later limped off with a hamstring injury. The problem would keep him out until October.

Forest snatched an equaliser through Jermaine Jenas with just three minutes remaining but Isaiah Rankin secured all the points with an injury time winner.

Goals by Eric Tinkler and Bruce Dyer gave Spackman's men a scrappy 2-0 Worthington Cup First Round victory over Neil Redfearn's Halifax Town before the team travelled down to Gillingham on August 25 for another away game.

Despite being the better team throughout the 90 minutes goals from Iffy Onoura (2) and Marlon King condemned the Reds to a 3-0 defeat in sweltering conditions.

Things went from bad to worse at Oakwell two days later as Rotherham United came to town for a Bank Holiday Monday fixture and only a late equaliser from Dyer salvaged a point in a disappointing game.

Spackman's team were already in trouble after picking up just four points from their opening four matches.

As August ended the Reds were in the lower half of the table and facing up to a season long struggle.
WITH the Reds languishing in the lower half of the league Nigel Spackman faced a tough time as the team travelled East on the M180 to Grimsby on September 1, 2002.

It was day of the Germany v England game, an early kick off in bright sunshine and the only game played in the First Division. Grimsby could have gone top of the table with a win after an amazing start to the season - surely it couldn't last?

Kevin Donovan returned to his old club looking to put one over on the Mariners and kick start Barnsley's season. As it happens a defensive mistake - one of many that would cost the Reds throughout the season away from home - let in young Jevons and the former Everton striker gave Town a first half lead.

With Danny Coyne in inspirational form in the Grimsby goal, Mike Sheron, Bruce Dyer, Dean Gorre and Eric Tinkler could find an equaliser and when Alan Pouton's swan dive in the second half saw Kevin Miller red carded it was going to be a long drive back to South Yorkshire.

Victory put Grimsby top of Division One and sent Barnsley into the bottom six. Miller got a ban and the alarm bells were ringing in S71.

The following Saturday lowly Stockport County came to Oakwell and a routine victory looked odds on just three minutes into the second half when Mike Sheron netted the opener.

Defender Mike Flynn headed an equaliser on the hour mark before County defender Keith Briggs deflected the ball into his own net four minutes later to restore the Reds advantage.

County stole a point in stoppage time with a late goal that kept the Reds near the foot of the table.

Goals by Dyer and Lee Jones gave the Reds a well deserved victory at Colchester in the Worthington Cup on September 11, 2001, but a long trip to Essex tuned into the radio did not make preparations for the game ideal as attention was dragged to the events unfolding in America.

Crewe Alexandra came to Oakwell on September 15, 2001, and Andy Marriott made his Reds debut in goal in place of the suspended Kevin Miller.

The former Sunderland keeper was a virtual spectator throughout the game as Dean Gorre inspired the Reds to a comfortable 2-0 victory that lifted the gloom around the club.

Alex Neil scored his first goal for Barnsley in the second half and the Reds could have run up double figures.

Brief hope turned quickly to despair when two long trips to London brought nothing but defeat at Millwall and Crystal Palace. Despite taking the lead at the New Den on Tuesday September 18, 2001, through Bruce Dyer's early goal, Nigel Spackman's side collapsed in the second half and were truly awful. The Lions confirmed their promotion hopes by strolling to an easy 3-1 win.

The Reds returned to London the following Saturday and the game at Selhurst Park must rate as one of the worst of the season. Both teams were bad and for virtually the whole of the first half there were no shots, no slick passing and no endeavour. In the end Aki Riihilahti's 90th minute header give Palace an undeserved victory.

Spackman's side faced up to the reality of a relegation struggle with two home games in three days at the end of the month. A creditable draw against Coventry City on Tuesday September 25, 2001 was followed by disaster as Robert Prosinecki inspired Portsmouth to a comfortable 4-1 win at Oakwell the following Friday.

Things were not good in South Yorkshire at the end of September and October was going to get even worse.
OCTOBER started well for Nigel Spackman's men with the arrival of midfielders Peter Sand and Chris Lumsdon.

The duo started the Worthington Cup Third Round game with Newcastle United which although the match finished with a 1-0 defeat, the Reds put in an excellent performance in front of more than 14,000 supporters at Oakwell.

Sand netted his first goal for the club on October 13, 2001, against Birmingham City the following Saturday but Geoff Horsfield inspired the Blues to a comfortable 3-1 victory.

The long run without an away win continued at Burnley when a last minute free kick by Darren Barnard earned the Reds a point. Chris Morgan and Chris Lumsdon scored the other goals.

Barnsley travelled to Hillsborough on October 24, 2001, for a massive game at the bottom of the table. Kevin Gallen marked his full return to fitness with a sensational goal after just five minutes but it all went wrong from there.

Wednesday were rampant and tore Spackman's limp side to pieces in a match many consider to be the worst Barnsley team performance in decades.

The Reds boss came out to the post match press conference visibly shaken by the events of the 90 minutes, with a look of inevitability in his eyes.

Reds chairman John Dennis looked even worse as he exited Hillsborough after the game.

It came as no real surprise when Nigel Spackman and first team coach Derek Fazackerley were sacked the following morning.

Reserve team coach Glyn Hodges was put in temporary control aided by Andy Rhodes and Steve Chettle, who had been recalled from a loan spell at Walsall.

Their first task was to lift a shell-shocked team for the visit of West Bromwich Albion the following Sunday (October 28, 2002). Kevin Miller, Steve Chettle and Eric Tinkler were recalled to the starting line up and a new look Reds beat the Baggies 3-2 at Oakwell. It was Barnsley's first win in nine games.

The Reds were outplayed by Manchester City the following Wednesday as Ali Benarbia inspired City to a comfortable 3-0 win.

November brought a new hope at Oakwell that the dire first three months of the season could herald a bright new future. A new manager was just on the horizon.

NOVEMBER 2001 started badly under new caretaker boss Glyn Hodges when his young side - which included David Mulligan and Rory Fallon - were thumped at Vicarage Road.

Watford were simply too good on the day for the Reds and cantered to a 3-0 victory.

Up to that point Watford were the best team Barnsley had faced throughout the course of the season and Vialli's magic appeared to set the Hornets up for a promotion push.

Rumours were spreading about the identity of the Reds new manager as more and more names were thrown into the ring and a midweek trip to Preston North End followed for Glyn's team as Alex Neil and Darren Barnard netted the goals that appeared to give the Reds all three points.

Richard Cresswell's late equaliser denied Barnsley all three points.

All fingers were now pointing at Rochdale boss Steve Parkin and the new manager elect was in the stand watching the game. Steve was duly unveiled as new Reds manager along with Tony Ford as his assistant on Friday November 9, 2001.

The ex-Rochdale boss then set about preparing for his first game in charge against Wimbledon. The Dons came to Oakwell on November 17, 2001, and it looked as though Steve would get a perfect start when Bruce Dyer netted the opener.

It was not to be the dream debut for the new man as a late equaliser denied his team and left Steve lamenting a lack of match fitness throughout the squad.

Sean McClare, Kevin Gallen and fitness coach Tom Little left the club as Steve started his shake up before two tough away games followed and the new Reds boss attempted to half the club's wretched away form.

A late mistake by South African international Eric Tinkler gifted Norwich City a 2-1 success at Carrow Road before the Reds were torn apart by Wolves at Molineux three days later.

Wolves ran away comfortable 4-1 winners as the Reds were stuck second from bottom in the league and just two points in front of Stockport.

Steve nipped into the transfer marker bringing in Rochdale midfielder Gary Jones, his old captain, prior to the match against Sheffield Wednesday.

The Owls had thumped Barnsley at Hillsborough six weeks earlier - the game that saw the end of Nigel Spackman's reign as boss - and were looking to pull further away from the relegation zone.

New boy Jones joined Chris Lumsdon at the heart of the Reds midfield and Mike Sheron was recalled up front as Barnsley took to the field on December 2, 2002.

The gamble worked as Parkin's side comprehensively beat their sorry neighbours from down the A61 and gained revenge for November's mauling.

Sheron netted twice following Chris Morgan's opener and it could have been five or six as over 16,000 in Oakwell cheered a marvellous Barnsley performance.

It got even better the following week as Sheron again scored two and goals from Bruce Dyer and Kevin Donovan blew away Walsall.

The Reds were on the up and Sheron's fifth goal in three games earned Steve's side a valuable point at Sheffield United before Lumsdon, Barnard, Dyer and Jones netted to give them all three points at home against Gillingham.

By Boxing Day 2001 the Reds were well out of the bottom three and a visit to snowy Stockport County saw them pick up their first away victory of the season - Morgan, Sheron and an own goal by former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Carlton Palmer gave all three points to the men from Oakwell.

Morgan's powerful header picked up a point at Rotherham in the final game of the year as Steve Parkin guided his team to six matches without defeat and hope of avoiding the drop.

Grimsby Town came to Oakwell on New Year's Day and played with a revolutionary ten-man defence to frustrate and bore the Reds into a goalless draw.

Despite having all the play and all the chances, Barnsley just could not find a way through a stubborn Mariners back line but they did manage to continue their unbeaten run.

Blackburn Rovers came to Oakwell on January 5, 2002, for the FA Cup Third Round and the Reds responded well against the Premier League side with Darren Barnard opening the scoring late in the game.

Barnard's wonderful 30-yard drive and put the Reds within touching distance of a giant killing however, former Reds Craig Hignett had other ideas and snatched a late equaliser to send the tie to a replay at Ewood Park.

A battling performance at the City Ground saw Steve Parkin's men earn a point before the return game against Blackburn gave England hopeful David Dunn the chance to orchestrate a Rovers win.

Bruce Dyer's late consolation in the replay mattered little as Dunn inspired Blackburn to a comfortable 3-1 win.

Despite the defeat, Barnsley were still flying high in the league and after Chris Lumsdon and Mike Sheron (2) cancelled out Lee Sharpe's opener against Bradford City at Oakwell on January 19, 2002, the three points looked a certainty.

But Ashley Ward grabbed two late goals to rob the Reds of all three points and leave Steve Parkin cursing his luck.

Who could have predicted how important just two points would have been come mid April?

The shock of Bradford City stealing a point the previous Saturday did not spill over to the midweek game against promotion chasing Wolves.

With the pain of a 4-1 mauling at Molineux still fresh in the players memories, the Reds put on one of their best performances of the season to earn a tough victory courtesy of Sheron's first half strike.

STEVE Parkin led his troops into Fratton Park for the first game of February 2002 on a high.

His side were unbeaten in two months and heading further up the table. The Reds had also been boosted by the arrival of Tony Bedeau on loan on February 1, 2002, and the striker went straight into the squad for the game at Portsmouth.

Portsmouth were in the midst of a mini slump but a Robert Prosinecki hat trick set the home side up for what appeared to be a comfortable win. Pompey were 4-2 up with five minutes to go before Linvoy Primus got a red card, Chris Lumsdon bagged his second of the game from the penalty spot and Mike Sheron snatched an unlikely equaliser.

The travelling Reds supporters were ecstatic after watching the game of the season, a wonderful goal by Lumsdon and a Croatian master class from Prosinecki. The unbeaten run was now eleven.

Darren Barnard's fifth minute free kick gave Barnsley the lead at home against promotion chasing Burnley on February 9, 2002, but despite having most of the early pressure the Reds could not extend their lead and Gareth Taylor had levelled before the break.

It took some extra special goalkeeping from Kevin Miller to earn the Reds a point on a blustery Saturday afternoon at Oakwell.

The Reds travelled to Play Off chasing St Andrews the following week and after more than matching Birmingham City for most of the game, Stern John's late goal gave the home side all the points.

Barnsley's long unbeaten run - the longest in the lower divisions all season - had come to an end after 12 games.

Another trip to the Midlands saw Steve Parkin take his team to Highfield Road for the first time since the Premier League season. The result in 1998 was controversial although when Coventry scored after just 17 seconds there was only going to be one winner this time around.

David Thompson was magical and the Reds simply did not have a clue as the Sky Blues ran away easy 4-0 winners.

Lee Mills scored a second half goal to really kill the game and stick the knife into his hometown club. Mills had turned down the chance to join Barnsley on loan earlier in the season.

Crystal Palace arrived at Oakwell the following Tuesday (February 26) and despite taking an early lead through Bruce Dyer, a woeful second half display saw the Eagles romp to a 4-1 win and make it three defeats in succession for the Reds.

MARCH 2002 started with a debut for new loan signing Kevin Betsy at home against high-flying Millwall.

The Reds were now out of the bottom three and looking towards safety and a goal by Chris Lumsdon earned Steve Parkin's side a well-deserved point.

Ipswich Town striker Richard Naylor arrived at Oakwell the following week on loan and made his debut at Crewe on March 5, 2002. It was billed as a massive six pointer for the Reds and the game at Gresty Road could not have gone any worse.

Chris Morgan and Lee Crooks were sent off as the Reds collapsed to a 2-0 defeat that dumped the team back in trouble. Parkin tore into his players in the post match press conference in front of the tunnel as he saw his survival hopes ebb away.

Bruce Dyer's diving header against Sheffield United the following Saturday only earned one point as the Blades rallied to hold Barnsley to a draw.

It wasn't good enough and sent the Reds towards the bottom three and into a crunch match at Walsall. A change was needed and Mike Flynn arrived from Stockport along with Paul Gibbs from Brentford to freshen things up.

Dyer netted again at the Bescott Stadium and when Saddlers captain was given his marching orders three points and breathing space above the relegation zone looked a certainty.

It didn't happen and Barnsley simply fell apart following the red card allowing Darren Byfield and Don Goodman to give the ten men a victory that dumped the Reds into the bottom three.

Parkin was not happy and again tore a strip off his team who simply caved in with victory within their grasp.

They responded well and goals by Darren Barnard and Dyer gave the Reds a win over Watford at Oakwell before normal service was resumed on March 30, 2002, when awful defending handed West Brom a 3-1 victory at the Hawthorns.

BARNSLEY were needing a miracle come April as the chances of any points away from Oakwell looked slim.

The Reds only chance of staying up was their home form that was keeping the ship afloat.

Preston North End came to Oakwell on Bank Holiday Monday - April 1, 2002 - and Dean Gorre, recalled to the starting line up for the first time since November, inspired the Reds to a 2-1 win.

Bruce Dyer continued his remarkable run by scoring his fourth goal in five games as his partnership with on loan Richard Naylor began to bear fruit.

A daunting trip to Manchester City was next on the agenda and Dyer again found the back of the net to drag the team into the game at half time.

Darren Huckerby had scored two early goals to give the Champions a 2-1 lead at the break. City came out for the second half and decimated a sorry Reds side.

The Blues ran in three more goals and with Huckerby, Wright-Phillips and Benarbia outstanding, Barnsley simply did not have an answer.

The defeat left the Reds second from bottom and needing a win at home against Norwich City on April 13, 2002, to avoid relegation.

Steve Parkin's men were awful, they lost, the others won and Saturday April 13, 2002, will go down in history as the day Barnsley slipped out of the top two flights of English football for the first time in more than 20 years.

There were tears in the stands, an angry protest by supporters aimed at Reds chairman John Dennis and a lot of bewildered people around this corner of South Yorkshire. The unthinkable had happened and trips to Colchester, Blackpool and Plymouth were now going to be a reality.

Relegation immediately saw on loan striker Richard Naylor sent packing back to Ipswich. Naylor had failed to score in eight games at Oakwell. Darren Barnard, Steve Chettle and Kevin Miller left days later after being told that their contracts would not be renewed in the summer.

The following week Mike Sheron gave the Reds a win on the final day of the season away at Wimbledon - not that it mattered much - and debutant Matt Ghent saved a penalty.

Reds boss Steve Parkin decided to keep the players back at Oakwell for ten days following the end of the season and put them through a punishing training regime ahead of the summer break before a long close season loomed large on the horizon.

2002/2003

AFTER the disaster of relegation the previous season, Steve Parkin had to lift his troops and bid to return to Division One at the first attempt.

Pre-season went anything but smoothly with a string of inconsistent performances marring an already troubled build up.

The Reds only victory of the pre-season campaign came in the opening game - a nine-goal thriller against Worksop Town that was settled by Dean Gorre's stunning last minute winner.

A draw at league new-boys Boston United was followed by a tour of Scotland that ended tainted with controversy as seven Reds players were sent home for breaking the manager's strict curfew.

The tour itself started with a draw against Alloa Athletic and defeat by Queen Of The South. The Reds finished their Scottish adventure with a draw at St Johnstone.

The disappointing pre-season continued with a morale sapping defeat at Hartlepool United and a draw against Halifax Town. Barnsley did salvage something from the preparations at Oakwell on August 3 as they battled to a narrow defeat against Premier League Leeds United.

The 2002/3 season started on Saturday August 10 with a long trip to Swindon Town as the Reds hoped to begin with a win. Neil Austin made his first team debut for the club but could not prevent a 3-1 defeat at the County Ground. Chris Lumsdon gave Barnsley an early lead with a superbly taken penalty but a Sam Parkin hat trick gave a stark warning of the struggles ahead in Division Two.

Cheltenham Town were the visitors to Oakwell for the first home match of the season on Tuesday August 13 but despite dominating the play for most of the game, the Reds only had a Bruce Dyer goal to show for their efforts and when substitute Tony Naylor netted an equaliser late on, Steve Parkin's men were restricted to just a point.

Barnsley managed to pick up their first win of the next campaign the following Saturday when Play Off contenders QPR came to Oakwell. The Reds battled well throughout and defended resolutely after Chris Lumsdon had given the side the lead. The goal was enough to earn all three points. Veteran defender Keith Curle made his Barnsley debut after joining on a non-contract basis and on loan defender Andy Holt also started his first game.

It was back-to-back wins a week later with a controversial match at Luton Town. Andy Holt was red carded early in the first half to leave the Reds with an uphill battle but two goals by Mike Sheron and a wonderful winner by Bruce Dyer ensured the ten men left Kenilworth Road with the points.

The Reds were buoyant after two wins but their new-found optimism could not find a way through Notts County at Oakwell on August 26. Despite the best efforts of Dean Gorre, Mike Sheron and Bruce Dyer the Magpies held on to snatch a goalless draw.

Barnsley's final match of August was away at Sixfield's but came away with nothing after dominating the match. Northampton were reduced to ten men in the first half but nothing went the way of Steve Parkin's men as Chris Lumsdon missed a penalty and the Cobblers snatched a late winner.

August 2002 Record - PLD 6 W 2 D 2 L 2

A DISAPPOINTING start to the new campaign got even worse with the first game of September as thousands of Reds fans made the short journey to the McAlpine Stadium for the local derby against Huddersfield Town.

The match was abysmal and neither team really deserved to get all three points but an all too familiar defensive howler let in Martin Smith for the only goal of the game midway through the second half.

Things went from bad to worse the following Wednesday (September 11) as Steve Parkin took his disillusioned troops to the Moss Rose Ground for a Worthington Cup game against Macclesfield Town. Barnsley were behind for most of the game as Kyle Lightbourne's stunning first half striker looked to have settled the match but for Isaiah Rankin to level late on. The Reds should have gone on to dump the Third Division side out of the cup in extra time but a cataclysmic performance saw Danny Whitaker score a late hat trick and end Barnsley's Worthington Cup dreams for another season.

A roasting by the manager did improve things slightly and when Plymouth Argyle came to Oakwell on September 14, the Reds had to win to get their season back on track. Bruce Dyer gave the home side an early lead but they could not hold onto it. Blair Sturrock equalised just before half time and although Barnsley spent the rest of the match camped deep in Plymouth territory, another two points went begging at Oakwell.

The Plymouth performance had given the Reds heart that they could compete with the better sides in Division Two and when Blackpool came to town the following Tuesday the new found confidence showed. Rory Fallon scored his first goal for the club and Mike Sheron made sure of the win with his second of the season but the 2-1 scoreline flattered the Seasiders.

However, just when the seeds of a successful season appeared to be taking root at Oakwell, Barnsley spectacularly imploded at Stockport County on September 21. Rory Fallon again put the Reds in front with an early goal and Steve Parkin's side were in total control at the break with County never really getting into the game. The second half could not have been any worse as an appalling performance saw ex-Red Luke Beckett and Jim Goodwin score twice as Stockport came back to win 4-1.

Things went from bad to worse a week later when promotion chasing Wigan Athletic came to Oakwell. The Latics stormed into a two-goal lead inside the first eleven minutes with well-taken goals by former Red Andy Liddell and Matt Jackson. Mitch Ward summed up the Reds afternoon when he was red carded shortly after half time for his second bookable offence before Scott Green made it three on the hour. Kevin Betsy did pull one back on 69 minutes but it was all to no avail.

The Reds stuttered through September thinking things could not get any worse& how wrong they were...

September 2002 Record - PLD 6 W 1 D 1 L 4
WITH the storm clouds gathering at pace around Steve Parkin's team on the pitch through August and September 2002, a season-long struggle appeared on the cards for the Reds.

The team was languishing in the lower half of the Division with morale at a low and successive hammerings by Stockport County and Wigan Athletic left the campaign in disarray.

Things could not really get any worse at Oakwell? Could they?

A press conference called on October 3, 2002, sent shockwaves through the local community and English football as an ashen-faced John Dennis announced that the club had been placed into administration.

Barnsley had always been thought of as a well run club but the collapse of the ITV Digital deal and relegation to Division Two meant it was up to administrator Matthew Dunham and RSM Robson Rhodes to save the Reds from extinction.

The news came as a massive shock to players, staff and management at Oakwell but life had to go on as normal despite the threat to jobs and to the football club itself. Barnsley's first game in administration came on October 5 with a long trip to London to face Brentford. Kevin Betsy gave the Reds an early lead at Griffin Park only for Mark McCammon to level midway through the first half. Betsy made it three goals in two matches with the winner on 81 minutes.

Barnsley made hard work of the closing stages after Mitch Ward was shown a red card in the second game running but the crisis-hit club returned to Yorkshire with all three points. Youngster Robbie Williams made his first team debut at Griffin Park.

Former manager Danny Wilson returned to Oakwell on October 12 with his promotion-chasing Bristol City side. It was another dark Autumnal afternoon as the Robins ran riot to end the Reds revival. Christian Roberts helped himself to a hattrick as Barnsley crumbled 4-1.

The Bristol debacle was too much for the administrators to take and following discussions with the Board Of Directors; Steve Parkin, his assistant Tony Ford and Chief Scout Russell Richardson were sacked early the following week. Reserve team coach Glyn Hodges was made caretaker boss with one brief - keep the Reds in Division Two.

Glyn Hodges' first game in charge in his second spell as caretaker was at Prenton Park on October 19. The Reds put in a battling performance and should have got something from the game but for a third minute Graham Allen goal. It was all Barnsley after Allen's strike but they could not find a way through the Play Off hopefuls and an inspired John Achterberg in goal.

The performance against Tranmere gave the Reds confidence going into their first ever meeting with Wycombe Wanderers at Oakwell on October 26. Rory Fallon gave Barnsley the lead midway through another half of total domination but a wonder goal by Keith Ryan levelled the scores just before the break. The Reds pushed on again in the second half but could not find the winner and another two points went begging.

Although the Reds were not picking up as many points as they should be, the performances on the field had improved and there was hope that the administrators would be able to sort out a deal to save the club in the near future.

October finished in controversy at Colchester United as Bruce Dyer cancelled out Sam Stockley's opener before the home side were reduced to ten men inside the first 20 minutes. Barnsley went on to batter the U's for the remainder of the game only to see two goals harshly chalked off - including a stoppage time effort from Rory Fallon that would have brought all the points back to Oakwell.

October 2002 Record - PLD 5 W 1 D 2 L 2

WITH the club in administration, without a permanent manager and struggling at the wrong end of Division Two, things looked bleak at Oakwell as October turned into November.

However, there were muted sounds of optimism coming from RSM Robson Rhodes that a buyer would be found before the end of the month - it would have to be as the money funding the day to day business at Oakwell was set to run out on November 30 and the club would close.

That was the stark reality of life at Barnsley FC through November 2002 as players and staff worked constantly under the growing spectre of closure - now just a matter of weeks away.

On the pitch, the Reds travelled to local rivals Chesterfield on November 2 for a lunchtime local derby. A group of supporters walked the 30-odd miles to Saltergate to raise money for the club but the day ended in defeat as a Jamie Burt free kick condemned the side to another loss. To be fair the Reds again should have got something from the game after spending long periods camped in the Chesterfield half but seemed to lack the guile and ingenuity to break down a resilient Spirites back line.

Promotion chasing Cardiff City came to Oakwell on November 9 and if past form was anything to go by the Reds were due for a hammering after heavy defeats against highflying Bristol City and Wigan Athletic. But football is a funny game and a Rory Fallon goal coupled with a brace of textbook headers from Chris Morgan set the Reds up for a deserved 3-2 success. Rob Earnshaw netted the Bluebirds two goals.

The win against Cardiff City lifted some of the gloom around Oakwell but the team were brought quickly down to earth with a bump at lowly Bury the following Tuesday in the LDV Vans Trophy. The Third Division side capitalised on a howler by Matt Ghent and Ian Lawson netted the only goal of a poor match to dump Barnsley out of the competition in the Second Round.

Barnsley's cup woes continued the following Saturday (November 16) as they threw away a one goal lead to be dumped out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle by Blackpool. Bruce Dyer opened the scoring as the Reds dominated the first half but were level at the break. A second half collapse saw the home side concede four goals for the fourth time in four months. Former Red Martin Bullock was the tormentor in chief as he ran the Reds defence ragged and John Murphy, Paul Dalglish and Scott Taylor rounded off a miserable afternoon for Barnsley.

Administrator Matthew Dunham made a stark announcement in mid-November as he confirmed that the club had no money to run beyond the end of the month and he would close it if a buyer were not found.

With only ten days to go a press conference was called at Oakwell and it was announced that Mr Peter Doyle - Barnsley's mayor - would complete his purchase of the club in the near future. Mr Doyle's name had not been mentioned in any quarters and it came as a surprise to many. Matthew Dunham would later confirm that he had three bids on the table - two of which would have seen the end of football at Oakwell. The third - and highest - was Mr Doyle's and it was the only bid that would make sure the town still had a professional football club.

On the pitch performances picked up after an end to the uncertainty with a 3-1 win at Peterborough United on November 23. A brace from Mike Sheron and a goal from Bruce Dyer was enough to give the Reds all three points.

Sheron and Dyer struck again a week later against Oldham at Oakwell but the Reds were pegged back again and held to a 2-2 draw. Barnsley ended November in 16th position with 24 points from 20 games.

November 2002 Record - PLD 6 W2 D 1 L3

NEW Barnsley FC owner Peter Doyle completed his purchase of the club on December 3, 2002, although problems and disputes with the Football Authorities would drag ratification into the close season.

On the pitch performances improved but results were still a major concern heading towards the New Year. The Reds travelled to Crewe on December 13 looking to build on a four match unbeaten run but Glyn Hodges side came undone despite a valiant showing at the Alexandra Stadium.

Despite creating chances and matching their promotion-chasing opponents, goals by Foster and Jack condemned the Reds to a 2-0 defeat.

It did not get any better at Oakwell a week later with the visit of fellow strugglers Mansfield Town. New Stags manager Keith Curle was anxious to put one over on his former club and got his wish when Andy White scored the only goal of a disappointing game on 50 minutes.

The Reds slipped to a third straight defeat at Notts County on Boxing Day and the Christmas period got off to a nightmare start. Again the Reds had to play against ten men for the majority of the game but once more failed to make numerical advantage count.

Kevin Betsy and Bruce Dyer netted the Barnsley goals but they were twice pegged back by Ian Richardson and Mark Stallard. Ian Baraclough capped an amazing comeback by the Magpies with a last minute winner.

Barnsley's final game of a miserable 2002 was at Oakwell on December 28 against Port Vale. Rory Fallon put the Reds in front early on but the side were again pegged back at home when Marc Bridge-Wilkinson netted just before half time. However, much maligned full back Paul Gibbs showed nerves of steel to hammer home a 79th minute penalty to ensure a winning end to the year.

December 2002 Record - P4 W1 D0 L3

THE Reds miserable Christmas continued despite the turning of the New Year with the visit of Northampton Town to Oakwell on January 1.

Barnsley again set off well and the recalled Chris Lumsdon fired home midway through the first half to open the scoring. The former Sunderland star's joy was short lived as he then put through his own net on the stroke of half time to peg back the Reds advance. Glyn Hodges' side's misery was complete in the second half when Darryn Stamp netted the winner.

Morale was low at Oakwell as another long trip loomed ahead with the return game at Loftus Road. The Reds had beaten Play Off chasing QPR earlier in the season but could not recapture that form and, although they battled well, were beaten by a single Richard Pacquette goal.

It got even worse with the home game against Luton Town on January 18. The visitors gave the Reds a massive boost early in the match when goalkeeper Carl Emberson was red carded for handling outside his area. The numerical advantage again failed to benefit Barnsley as Luton hit three goals with ten men to take all the points. Kevin Betsy and Bruce Dyer netted for the Reds in a 3-2 reverse.

Enough was enough for Reds boss Glyn Hodges and a drastic change of formation saw Barnsley switch to 352 for the trip to Port Vale on January 25. Although the game finished goalless, it was a much more solid performance from Barnsley and gave hope for the coming months.

January 2003 Record - P4 W0 D1L3

A CHANGE of formation at Port Vale brought the necessary results in late January 2003 - the Reds looked a more solid team unit and harder to beat.

That again proved the case when Play Off chasing Swindon Town came to Oakwell on February 1. Andy King's side were flying high in the division with hotshot Sam Parkin leading the way but the newly resolute Reds defence managed to keep Parkin quiet throughout.

Rory Fallon put Glyn Hodges' side in front early in the first half and, although Danny Invincible levelled shortly after, it was another well-earned point in the battle against relegation.

Barnsley's next game was in the boiling cauldron of Ninian Park with the Bluebird's supporters still seething following November's defeat at Oakwell. Cardiff fans ensured the game was played in a hostile and intimidating atmosphere but Lennie Lawrence's promotion chasing side stuttered through a the first half without really testing Andy Marriott.

The pressure inside the stadium blew its top midway through the second half when Bruce Dyer gave the Reds the lead from the penalty spot but despite valiant and strong defending the home side finally got an equaliser in the 95th minute when substitute Kenny Gordon headed home from close range.

The thoroughly deserved point at Cardiff boosted the Reds battle and, although disappointed from being pegged back so late, the team was full of confidence ahead of the visit of Chesterfield on February 15.

The players were beginning to fit into the new formation and performances had improved dramatically and it was a shock when the Spirites took an early lead through Chris Brandon. The advantage lasted just two minutes until Rory Fallon bundled home and Bruce Dyer netted the winner midway through the first half.

The relegation fight then saw the Reds travel to Cheltenham Town on February 18 for a rearranged midweek game. Cheltenham were struggling at the foot of the table and it was a match Barnsley simply had to win.

Again Glyn Hodges' stuck with the 352 and again they made hard work of it by conceding a Tony Naylor goal inside two minutes. However, the Reds showed tremendous spirit and tenacity to battle back and strikes by Mike Sheron, Bruce Dyer and Gary Jones ensured all the points came to Oakwell.

Barnsley had gone five matches unbeaten ahead of the final game of February against Huddersfield Town at Oakwell. However, the revival stuttered against a physical Terriers side and an Andy Booth header was enough to win the match for the McAlpine Stadium side.

February 2003 Record - P5 W2 D2 L1

THE Reds were quickly running out of matches to save their Second Division status but Glyn Hodges had guided the side to a decent February and hopes were high going into a crucial seven match spell in March 2003.

First up was a long trip south to Home Park and a clash with Play Off chasing Plymouth Argyle and although Graham Coughlan gave the Pilgrims the lead, Bruce Dyer levelled midway through the second half to earn a share of the points.

The Reds then faced a tough match at Blackpool the following Tuesday (March 4). The Seasiders did their bit to stir things up by handing the captains armband to on-loan Barnsley defender Mike Flynn but it was Mike Sheron who stole the show on a windy evening at Bloomfield Road. Sheron netted twice to win the game as the Reds put in a masterful performance away from home and made it four points from six.

Up next was a tricky home game against fellow strugglers Stockport County and with the memory of September's capitulation at Edgeley Park fresh in the mind, Glyn Hodges made sure the points were staying in Barnsley. Bruce Dyer netted the only goal of the game early on and, although County put the Reds under some intense pressure, a vital home win was eventually recorded.

Tranmere Rovers visited Oakwell on March 18 and again Bruce Dyer opened the scoring in the first half. However, Play Off chasing Tranmere hit back to earn a point and again it was a game where the Reds should have picked up more.

It was the same old story the following Saturday with the visit of Colchester United. Bruce Dyer netted the opening goal early on but the Reds were pegged back by Scott McGleish just before the interval and could not find a winning goal.

Barnsley had gone six matches unbeaten through March 2003 and were on the brink of Second Division safety. However, defeat at Ashton Gate on March 29 plunged the Reds back into the relegation mire as other results meant the gap at the bottom closed up.

March 2003 Record - P7 W2 D4 L1

BARNSLEY went into the final weeks of the season knowing that the battle to avoid relegation must be won in April - or they would run the risk of needing something from champions-elect Wigan Athletic on the final weekend.

Up first was a tough trip to Play Off chasing Oldham but again the Reds let the points slip away easily. Wayne Andrews gave the Latics the lead in the second minute but a rousing comeback saw David Mulligan net his first ever goal for Barnsley in the first half as the visitors were well on top.

However, all the hard work counted for nothing as missed chances at one end and a defensive slip at the other allowed Joshua Low to score the winner.

Peterborough United came to Oakwell on April 12 looking to move further away from the relegation zone. Bruce Dyer gave Barnsley an early lead but a second half collapse and arguably the worst home performance of the season saw the Posh sneak a 2-1 win and plunge the Reds back into the relegation mire.

The defeat was also the last time on loan goalkeeper Martin Taylor would pull on a Reds shirt.

Barnsley travelled to fellow strugglers Mansfield Town the following weekend for a massive six-pointer that would make or break both teams season. It was a battle throughout but the Reds defended resolutely and without star striker Bruce Dyer, netted the winning goal from an unlikely source - young defender Brian O'Callaghan.

The result virtually condemned the Stags to Division Three and gave Glyn Hodges side the chance to save their campaign.

Easter Bank Holiday Monday saw promotion hopefuls Crewe Alexandra visit Oakwell. Mike Sheron gave the Reds an early lead with an exquisite chip. Alex midfielder Neil Sorvel hit an equaliser just minutes later and as the high-flyers pushed on, Rob Hulse scored the winner to edge Dario Gradi's side closer to Division One.

The Crewe defeat left the Reds with a simple mission - beat Brentford at Oakwell on April 26 and stay in Division Two. Simple? Well life at Oakwell is rarely simple and despite 92 minutes of total domination the score was goalless before Isaiah Rankin wrote his name into the Barnsley history books with a stunning winner that set of scenes of jubilation and relief around the stadium.

With the Reds Second Division status secure a trip to Wigan's promotion party on May 3 was a little less daunting. The Latics won the game but the Reds showed enough to suggest that there could be light at the end of a very dark tunnel.

April/May 2003 Record - P6 W2 D0 L4

2003/2004

AFTER a summer of upheaval and confusion August arrived at Oakwell like a breath of fresh air and with it the new Nationwide League season.

The Reds new management team of Icelander Gudjon Thordarson and Barnsley hero Ronnie Glavin took a new look side into action for the first time in a pre-season match against Bradford City. Tony Gallimore, Peter Handyside, Craig Ireland, Sasa Ilic, Allan Smart and Marvin Robinson all featured and looked to earn permanent deals at Oakwell.

Under the eyes of new Barnsley supreme Sean Lewis the match itself finished goalles despite City's Dean Windass going close with a first half header against the bar.

With the new season just 24 hours away, Barnsley were finally given permission by the Football League to play and quickly secured the services of Ilic, Gallimore, Handyside and Ireland for the opening game against Colchester United. Neil Austin, David Mulligan and Rory Fallon also sign on the dotted line in time to play.

The first match of the season is played on a scorching day at Oakwell with Dean Gorre's second half goal enough to lift a summer of despair and confusion and give the Reds all three points.

Gorre was again on target three days later in the First Round of the Carling Cup when Blackpool came to Oakwell. The Seasider's raced into a two goal lead early on but the Reds just could not find an equaliser after the Dutchman had reduced the deficit.

Barnsley's next game was away at AFC Bournemouth - and what a cracker it was. Stunning strikes by Ireland and Gorre saw the Reds twice come from behind to earn a valuable point. Promotion chasing Brighton and Hove Albion were next at Oakwell on August 23. Speaking before the game Thordarson reveals that Kevin Donovan is set to leave Oakwell. Barnsley's excellent start to the new campaign was starting to catch the public's imagination and Kevin Betsy responded with the only goal of the game to pick up another three points for Thordarson's side.

A Bank Holiday Monday trip to Blackpool sees the Reds put in one of their best away performances in years and comfortably defeat a Seasiders side including Mike Flynn, Mike Sheron and Martin Bullock. Rory Fallon set the ball rolling with a first half striker before Chris Lumsdon made sure of the points with a cracker from the edge of the area.

August's only real disappointment in the league came with the visit of struggling Notts County. County, who were tipped for relegation at the start of the season, netted a late equaliser to cancel out in-form Gorre's goal but it really was a game that the Reds should have wrapped up. A home draw - a sign of things to come throughout the season?

August 2003
P6 W3 D2 L1

EXPECTATIONS were high around Oakwell as the calendar turned from August to September and the Reds excellent start to the campaign continued.

It was the Reds best start to the season since the 1996/7 promotion campaign and hopes were rising of a similar success this term.

Former Stoke City goalkeeper Danny Alcock arrived at the club on trial and makes his reserve team debut against Burnley. The Reds trounce the Clarets 6-0 and include Alcock, Griff Jones, Carl Barrowclough and Kevin Dixon in the squad.

The massive news coming from Oakwell on September 4, 2004, is that Peter Ridsdale has completed his purchase of the club. A press conference is held and details of the deal involving Peter, Patrick Cryne and Barnsley Council are announced.

Barnsley's Academy side kick off their season with defeat at Nottingham Forest.

A tricky trip to local rivals Chesterfield was first up on September 6 and the Reds did not disappoint with a first class away display to move to the top of Division Two.

Antony Kay opened the scoring with his first senior goal for the club before Craig Ireland doubled the advantage. Kay's delight was turned to despair late in the second half as a disgraceful refereeing decision saw the youngster red carded but Barnsley held on to reach the summit of Division Two and give the new owners the perfect start.

The Reds next game is a tough away trip to high-flying Port Vale. Rory Fallon gives Gudjon Thordarson's side the lead but a Vale fight back sees the home side run out comfortable 3-1 winners, inflicting the Reds first league defeat of the campaign.

The defeat came as a shock to the side and Thordarson wanted a response from his team when Oldham Athletic visited Oakwell just three days later. The season's first five-figure crowd saw the Reds battle to take a second half lead through Chris Lumsdon's cracker but the home side were again pegged back. Scott Vernon netted Oldham's leveller before Dean Gorre missed a last minute penalty that would have given the Reds all three points.

There's more good news off the field as Barnsley Council give the green light to the local authorities involvement in the Club before Swindon Town visited Oakwell on September 20. Sam Parkin gave the visitors an early lead but a pulsating performance by the Reds saw Thordarson's men hammer the Robins goal for most of the game. Rory Fallon grabbed a leveller midway through the second half but the Reds were held to a second successive home draw.

The following week sees youngster Robbie Williams undergo surgery in a bid to cure a long-standing foot problem. Scottish winger Stephen Carson arrived at Oakwell ahead of the trip to Plymouth Argyle after a lengthy chase by Thordarson. Youngster Robbie Williams undergoes surgery in a bid to cure a long-standing foot problem.

Barnsley's performance at Home Park is arguably to worst of the season to date and despite Carson's late introduction, the Reds crash to a disappointing defeat against their promotion rivals.

Three days later Thordarson took his side to London to face title favourites Queens Park Rangers. After a goalless first hour and a gritty defensive display, the Reds push the self destruct button in dramatic fashion conceding three goals in three minutes and handing QPR a comprehensive victory. Tony Thorpe completed the rout by netting Rangers' fourth goal late in the game leaving the Reds down in eleven place at the end of September.

September 2003
P6 W1 D2 L3

AFTER a promising start to the season under Gudjon Thordarson, the Reds had slumped to two successive away defeats in late September and desperately needed to get things back on track through October.

It was the manner of the losses at Plymouth and QPR that raised the most concern during the first week of the month with Thordarson demanding an immediate improvement.

The first week of October saw youngster Carl Barrowclough depart Oakwell after his short-term contract expired and full back David Mulligan receive another international call up to the New Zealand squad.

Rushden and Diamonds arrived at Oakwell on October 4 looking to pile more pressure on the Reds. However, Dean Gorre and Kevin Betsy inspired the Reds to a comfortable 2-0 victory.

The following week saw Mulligan surprisingly depart Oakwell and the arrival of Jacob Burns on trial.

Barnsley's Academy finally pick up the right result with a comfortable FA Youth Cup victory over Altrincham before the Reds senior side travelled to Notts County for the LDV Vans Trophy First Round on October 15.

After a despairing and goalless 120 minutes of football, the Reds faced a penalty shoot out with Craig Ireland hitting the winning spot kick against his former club.

The end of the week saw another departure and an arrival at Oakwell as full back Paul Gibbs was released and Australian international midfielder Burns completed a permanent deal to stay with the club.

Burns made his debut at Wycombe Wanderers on October 18 as the Reds continued their excellent month with a well-deserved 2-1 win. Isaiah Rankin came in from the wilderness to net two well-taken goals.

Barnsley's third away trip in a row is a tricky midweek game at Peterborough United against Barry Fry's side. The Reds twice come back from a goal behind to eventually win a thoroughly entertaining game 3-2. Leon McKenzie gave Peterborough and early lead only for his strike to be cancelled out by Betsy; McKenzie again put the Posh in front shortly before the break but Rankin's cracker levelled things up just two minutes after the restart. Stephen Carson netted the winner and his first for the club midway through the second half.

Three straight wins saw the Reds go into a home match with Grimsby Town on October 25 brimming with confidence. The Mariners included in-form hotshot Michael Boulding in their side and battled well to hold out for a point in a dire goalless draw. It could - and probably should - have been victory for the Reds but for ex-Mariner Tony Gallimore's missed spot kick in the last minute.

A re-arranged match against Wrexham saw the Reds finish October with victory at Oakwell three days later. Gorre scores the Goal Of The Season to give Barnsley an early lead and Rankin doubles the advantage before a late Wrexham goal sets up a frantic finish. Barnsley held on for the points and finished October in second place.

October 2003
P6 W5 D1 L0

OCTOBER had been Gudjon Thordarson's but a string of impressive and unbeaten displays did not win the Icelander the manager of the month award despite his new side sitting in second place.

Six matches without defeat in all competitions had galvanised the Reds promotion push and there was more good news around Oakwell as the Academy side progressed further in the FA Youth Cup with victory against Oldham, albeit on penalties.

Thordarson continued to reshuffle the squad and transfer listed out-of-favour midfielders Kevin Donovan and Gary Jones.

November's first game was a tricky trip to Brentford but a miserable afternoon saw the Reds blow their six match unbeaten run with a 2-1 away defeat. Rory Fallon netted the Reds only goal at Griffin Park.

Barnsley's FA Cup campaign started on November 9 with a difficult reunion with Mitch Ward at York City. It was a tough match throughout as the physical Division Three strugglers made life difficult. York took the lead midway through the first half through Lee Nogan before Kevin Betsy and Isaiah Rankin made sure of a second round date with Bristol City. The game was marred by a serious injury to skipper Peter Handyside that would sideline the defender for three months.

The following week sees striker Rory Fallon complete a shock move to Division Two rivals Swindon Town. Fallon had been a regular in the side throughout the season but was allowed to make the switch to the County Ground.

Barnsley move quickly in the transfer market to sign Bolton Wanderers youngster Jonathan Walters on loan ahead of the LDV Vans Trophy trip to Hillsborough. A tight and tense cup game against Sheffield Wednesday is settled by former Red Michael Reddy's excellent late strike.

Thordarson again looks to strengthen his squad by taking rising Brazilian star Gustavo on trial at Oakwell. Gustavo, from Premier League side Chelsea, spends a couple of days training with the Reds. Kevin Donovan finally leaves Oakwell after a disappointing start to the season.

The Reds returned to league action on November 15 with the visit of Tranmere Rovers. Again a first class display sees Thordarson's side pick up all three points with Dean Gorre and Isaiah Rankin again amongst the goals.

It's all go again at Oakwell with Paul Warhurst and Garry Monk arriving ahead of the trip to Bristol City. Ashley Scothern also featured for the Academy for the first time after recovering from a fractured leg.

Monk makes his debut for the Reds at Ashton Gate on November 22. It is a tight encounter between two sides battling at the top of the table. Lee Miller gave City a first half lead only for Jacob Burns to equaliser with a stunning drive from the edge of the area early in the second half. However, it is heartbreak for the Reds as Miller scores with the last kick of the game to give Danny Wilson's men all three points.

Thordarson's side suffer another blow with the news that Lee Crooks will be sidelined for at least a month after suffering an ankle injury but it is celebration time at Oakwell as Reds legend Norman Rimmington celebrates his 80th birthday. Unfortunately the team could not cap Rimmo's day with victory against struggling Stockport despite twice taking the lead against the County. Two goals by Kevin Betsy and a Dean Gorre earned the Reds a 3-3 draw.

November 2003
P6 W2 D2 L2

DECEMBER arrived with Gudjon Thordarson's side sitting pretty in fourth place in Division Two and looking a good bet to be in the promotion shake-up come the end of the season.

The first four months of the campaign had seen the Reds surprise many to remain in the chasing pack but it was the FA Cup that took centre stage with a tricky Second Round tie at Ashton Gate.

Lee Crooks underwent surgery on his injured ankle during the first week of December and Thordarson stressed that he wanted to keep young striker Jon Walters on loan at Oakwell for the remainder of the season.

Walters could have bagged his first goal for the club as the Reds went for revenge at Ashton Gate but neither side could break the deadlock in an entertaining cup tie. The Reds were held to a goalless draw and forced into an unwanted replay at Oakwell.

There are celebrations around Oakwell on Friday December 12 as the Reds finally exit administration 24 hours before a massive local derby against Sheffield Wednesday. Thordarson moves quickly into the transfer market to sign former Owl Paul Warhurst on a short-term deal ahead of the big game.

A bumper crowd of over 20,000 pack Oakwell for the visit of Sheffield Wednesday and are given a massive lift when Antony Kay scores a first half cracker to break the deadlock. Guylain Ndumbu equalised but it got better for the Reds late in the opening period as Grant Holt's stupidity earns the Wednesday striker a second yellow card.

Warhurst's debut ended early as he is also shown a second yellow card shortly after the break in a tightly fought game. Both teams had chances to pick up all three points but at the end of the day it was yet another home draw for the Reds.

The Reds FA Cup adventure continued three days later at Oakwell with the replay against Bristol City. Antony Kay and Garry Monk netted early goals for the Reds to kick a poor Bristol side into life and although Christian Roberts pulled one back, it was Barnsley who progressed through to the Third Round.

Kay was again the hero on December 20 when his late, late goal earned the Reds a vital win at Luton Town. The versatile defender - who also featured in midfield and up front through the campaign - scored the winner with 90 minutes on the clock.

The Reds gave supporters a later Christmas present on Boxing Day when two goals by Kevin Betsy set up a hard-fought victory at Hartlepool United. It was Hartlepool's first home defeat in almost 18 months.

Barnsley finished December and 2003 with a shocking home defeat against struggling Chesterfield. Former Red Glynn Hurst netted the only goal of the game to blow apart the Reds unbeaten league record at Oakwell.

December 2003
P6 W3 D2 L1

THE New Year arrived at Oakwell with the Reds riding high in the league and with a great chance of progressing in the FA Cup.

Third Division Scunthorpe United were Barnsley's Third Round opponents at Oakwell and the smart money was firmly on a home win. In the days leading up to the big game boss Gudjon Thordarson secured the services of on loan star Jon Walters for another month and signed Scottish striker Darren Jack on a non-contract basis.

Again the Reds home jinx struck with a dire goalless draw against the Third Division side after a bad tempered match at Oakwell. United star Kevin Sharpe was the main culprit with a string of bad challenges but amazingly remained on the playing field.

Barnsley returned to league action on January 10 with a tricky trip to in-form Colchester United. With Steve Hayward suspended the Reds ground out a vital point despite a horrendous error by Sasa Ilic that gifted United the lead. Kevin Betsy netted the equaliser midway through the second half.

January sees a sad day around Oakwell as the club mourn the death of Reds legend Johnny Kelly.

Barnsley were again on their travels on January 13 with the FA Cup Third Round replay at Scunthorpe. It is a dark day for the Reds as a woeful display sees Thordarson's side crash out of the competition with a whimpering 2-0 defeat at Glanford Park.

Andy Ritchie arrived at Oakwell in mid-January as the Reds new Academy Manager.

Reds supporters were shocked on January 16 to find out that goalkeeper Sasa Ilic was leaving the club. Ilic had fallen out with the management at Oakwell and his contract was not renewed. Thordarson moved quickly to snap up a replacement with the arrival of Newcastle United's Tony Caig on loan. Paul Warhurst also departs the Club.

Caig made his debut just 24 hours later when Bournemouth battled to take a draw from Oakwell. Chris Lumsdon hit's an equaliser as the Reds have to come from behind to salvage something from another disappointing home match.

Barnsley complete a shock swoop for striker Mark Stallard ahead of the trip to Brighton and Hove Albion on January 24. Stallard moved to Oakwell from Notts County and made his debut at the Withdean Stadium. A hotly disputed penalty gave the Seagulls a 1-0 win.

Another new face arrives at Oakwell on January 26 with the addition of star goalkeeper Marlon Beresford. Stephen Carson departs Oakwell after just a few months with the Club.

Barnsley's next game was against Blackpool at Oakwell on January 27 but there was still time for the Reds to pull off a major coup in the transfer market and sign youngster Daniel Nardiello from Manchester United. Nardiello arrived just hours before the clash with the Seasiders and immediately made an impact, netting twice on his debut in a fantastic 3-0 win. Mark Stallard scored the other Reds goal.

The Reds joy at picking up a vital win was short lived as they struggled to follow it up with three points at Notts County the following Saturday. A late penalty by Kevin Betsy meant the Reds scraped a draw from the County Ground.

Thordarson's side finished January still in fourth place in the table but were set for a struggle.

January 2004
P7 W1 D4 L2

THE alarm bells were ringing around Oakwell as January turned into February as the Reds looked to hang on in the promotion race.

There was more bad news when youngster Ashley Scothern suffered a third fractured leg in as many seasons in a reserve team match against Scunthorpe United.

Loan star Daniel Nardiello again enhanced his growing reputation around Oakwell with a goal against Hartlepool United at Oakwell on February 7. However, the hero of the hour was veteran midfielder Steve Hayward, who netted a late equaliser to earn a point in the 2-2 draw.

The following week sees a flurry of transfer activity with the arrival on loan of Arron Davies from Southampton and Craig Rocastle from Chelsea. Michael Boulding completed his permanent switch to Oakwell on February 12 with Isaiah Rankin moving to Grimsby Town on loan.

Boulding, Rocastle and Davies made their Barnsley debuts the following weekend with a Valentine's Day trip to Wrexham. The Reds battled hard but were beaten 1-0 by the play off chasing Racecourse Ground side.

The following week saw the sad news that former Barnsley striker Steve Cooper has died, aged 39.

Relegation-haunted Wycombe Wanderers visit Oakwell on February 21 and despite a three-pronged attack including Boulding, Nardiello and Mark Stallard; the Reds are held at another goalless draw.

Barnsley tied up a permanent deal for defender Garry Monk on February 26 ahead of the trip to Grimsby Town. However, the match at Blundell Park is one that supporters will want to forget as the Mariners, who were battling against relegation to Division Three, hit the Reds for six.

Admittedly, Craig Ireland's early dismissal did not help and losing Garry Monk through injury left the back line threadbare but a Phil Jevons inspired Mariners side ran riot. Loan star Isaiah Rankin incensed Reds supporters with his celebrations after netting Grimsby's fourth in the 6- 1 demolition that left Gudjon Thordarson's side in ninth place.

February 2004
P4 W0 D2 L2

THE first week of March signalled the end of Gudjon Thordarson's tenure as Barnsley manager after a string of disappointing results.

The Reds had won just once since the turn of the year and another home defeat against Peterborough on March 2 saw the Board move swiftly. A goal early in the second half, set up by Tom Williams, was enough to beat the Reds and saw the Icelander axed two days later.

Paul Hart was appointed Barnsley boss on March 4, 2004, and quickly had to pick a team to face Luton Town at Oakwell just two days later. Hart's side battled well against the Hatters to earn a goalless draw with Academy stars Robbie Williams and Rob Atkinson featuring for the Reds.

The following weekend sees the Reds travel to Hillsborough to face Sheffield Wednesday. A new look but injury-hit Barnsley, including new signing David Murphy, dominate the match but again slip to a 2-1 defeat. Robbie Williams scored his first senior goal for the club with a late penalty but also suffers a serious knee injury that would keep the youngster sidelined for most of the remaining weeks of the season.

Paul Hart moved swiftly into the transfer market the following week to snap up Manchester City winger Chris Shuker ahead of the trip to Oldham Athletic.

The Reds again played with purpose at Boundary Park and took an early lead when Daniel Nardiello headed home from Murphy's corner. Oldham grabbed an equaliser midway through the second half to earn a much-needed point.

Shuker made his Barnsley debut when Port Vale came to Oakwell on March 20. It was a game spoiled by horrendous weather conditions but both sides did well to grind out a goalless draw.

The next week sees Isaiah Rankin complete a permanent move to Grimsby Town and striker Gary Birch arrive at Oakwell on loan from Walsall. Birch wore a Barnsley shirt for the first time on March 27 as the Reds travelled to face Swindon Town. A gritty away performance saw Barnsley return from the County ground with a well-earned point. Nardiello netted the Reds goal from the penalty spot after Murphy had been fouled.

Paul Hart's side finished March 2004 in eleventh place.

March 2004
P6 W0 D4 L2

THE Paul Hart revival at Oakwell continued in the first weeks of April 2004 as the new Reds boss showed he was no fool by masterminding the demise of leaders Plymouth Argyle.

A solid display by the Reds at Oakwell is rounded off when Gary Birch stooped to head a second half winner against the eventual champions from David Murphy's in swinging corner.

The Reds followed their well-deserved victory against Plymouth Argyle with a tough trip to relegation haunted Rushden. Murphy, Alex Neil and Kevin Betsy netted the Reds goals in a convincing win. Rushden battled well but the 3-2 scoreline flattered the home side.

It was a six goal thriller at Oakwell on Monday April 12 when promotion favourites QPR arrived in town. Goals from Craig Ireland, Daniel Nardiello and Murphy again looked to have set up a win for the Reds but Rangers fought back to equalise through Paul Furlong in stoppage time.

The QPR game was marred by a serious injury to goalkeeper Marlon Beresford that would prevent the stopper from pulling on a Barnsley shirt for the remainder of the campaign. Danny Alcock made his only appearance for the Reds as a first half sub against Rangers.

The following week sees confirmation that Beresford's back injury would sideline him for the rest of the season. Paul Hart moved quickly into the transfer market to sign Ross Turnbull on loan from Middlesbrough after being granted special dispensation from the Football League.

Turnbull made his Reds debut at Oakwell against Brentford on April 17. The Bees were buzzing and took advantage of a disappointing Reds display to run out comfortable 2-0 winners in a game that saw youngsters Nicky Wroe and Dale Tonge make their first appearances of the campaign.

The last game of April sees the Reds travel to Tranmere Rovers but again the game ends in disappointment with a 2-0 reverse. Barnsley play well in patches with Iain Hume inspires the home side to victory with a stunning opening goal midway through the second half.

April 2004
P4 W2 D1 L2

THE Reds defeat at Tranmere late in April 2004 finally ended any slim play off hopes that still lingered around Oakwell.

With Ross Turnbull away on international duty, Paul Hart was forced into the loan market again to cover for injured number one Marlon Beresford. This time Coventry's Gavin Ward arrived to face Bristol City.

Promotion hopefuls Bristol came to South Yorkshire on May 2 and despite a confident Reds display, it was the visitors who left with all the points, bringing down the curtain on an overall disappointing season at Oakwell.

Ward departed the following week with Turnbull returning on loan for the final match of the 2003/2004 season at Stockport County. Nicky Wroe made his first start of the season and the Academy starlet responded with an excellent display, scoring his first senior goal for the club. Gary Birch and Alex Neil also netted as the Reds finished the campaign with a well-deserved 3-2 win.

The following weeks sees Reds boss Paul Hart begin his summer clearout with Tony Gallimore, Peter Handyside, Steve Hayward, Danny Alcock, Garry Monk, Alex Neil, Brian O'Callaghan, Craig Ireland, Adam Oldham, Dean Gorre, Griff Jones and Marc Shackelton all heading for the exit. Lee Crooks and Ashley Scothern are given the chance to prove their fitness during the summer to earn a new deal. Loan stars, Turnbull, Birch and David Murphy also return to their respective clubs.

Hart moves quickly into the transfer market in late May to snap up striker Barry Conlon, defender Matt Carbon and left back Tom Williams ahead of the summer.

It could be a busy few months.

May 2004
P2 W1 D0 L1

2004/2005

AND so after a summer of frenzied action off the pitch, a new season kicked off in the summer sun in Milton Keynes on a sweltering early August afternoon.

Led by Paul Hart and marshalled from afar be Peter Ridsdale, a new look Reds team took to the field on the back of three months expectations and rising excitement.

With the first glimpse of Colgan, Reid, Hassell, Williams, Vaughan, Carbon, McPhail and Conlon, Barnsley took to the field set to wipe the floor with all comers in a procession to the title. Or at least that was the plan.

It all seemed to be going so right when Reid nodded in from McPhail' early corner kick. But the Reds' delight was punctured late in the game as a howler from Nick Colgan gifted Izale McLeod a goal and handed MK Dons a share of the points.

Still a point on the opening day was not a bad return and 72 hours later it seemed as though the early season optimism was rightly high when Bristol City came to Oakwell and were sent packing back to Ashton Gate with their tails between their legs. Mercurial winger Chris Shuker popped up twice in the right place at the right time to put Hart's men two up against the summer title favoutites. Although Leroy Lita pulled one back late on, it was the Reds fans who were celebrating come the final whistle.

The second weekend of the Coca Cola League One campaign saw Luton Town arrive in Barnsley to throw a spanner in the works. Leading through Mick Boulding's early strike, the Reds were well on top and dominating but somehow found themselves 4-1 down going into the closing stages. McPhail and Boulding pulled goals back but the Hatters held on to cement their place in the early season promotion race.
A trip to Walsall was up next and yet again the Reds took an early lead, this time through a fine header from skipper Tony Vaughan. England youth international Matty Fryatt pulled one back against the run of play but the Reds dominance was such that it was no real surprise when Barry Conlon restored the advantage midway through the second half. Barnsley were cruising so it came as a shock when a ridiculous refereeing decision gave the home side a free kick on the edge of the area. Darren Wrack netted in stoppage time to gave Walsall a point that the home side did not deserve.

Conlon returned to his former employers on August 24 when the Reds travelled north to face Darlington in the Carling Cup. On a wet a dreary evening at the Williamson Motors Stadium, Paul Reid and Chris Shuker netted the goals to earn Paul Hart's men a second round trip to Manchester City.
Michael Chopra joined the Reds on loan from Newcastle United in time for the clash with Hull City at Oakwell four days later. Chopra started the game in front of more that 13,000 fans but didn't really make an impact. Conlon headed the opener again for the Reds but yet again a lead was thrown away as City came from behind to win with goals from Stuart Elliott and Michael Keane.
August's final match was away at Wrexham and yet again it ended in disappointment. Goals from Chris Armstrong and Stephen Roberts put the Dragons two up and although Daniel Nardiello pulled back a consolation, the home side hung on for a much needed win.

August 2004
P7 W2 D2 L3

AS a balmy South Yorkshire August turned into September the early season optimism around Oakwell was slowly deflating like a small balloon stuck behind a sofa after a child's birthday party.

They needed a pick me up and looked to be heading in the right direction when Michael Chopra found his shooting boots to put them in front at Hartlepool United. The lead was not to last and, after Tony Vaughan was somewhat harshly sent off for trying to launch Joel Porter into the marina, Pools fought back to grab a late heartbreaking equaliser.
It was the same old story on September 11 at Oakwell when play off rivals Tranmere Rovers rolled into town, shut up shop and ground out a goalless draw. For all the Reds pressure and chances they just could not find a way through a stubborn Rovers backline and two more points went begging at home.

After two draws the Reds were on the rack and rolled into Huddersfield Town looking for a derby day bonus. What the travelling faithful finally saw was a display that finally met all the pre-season hype as a masterclass from Stephen McPhail inspired the team to a 2-0 half time lead. McPhail was a different class as Barry Conlon and a David Mirfin own goal put the Reds in front. It was a lead that they never looked like letting slip and, despite a Terriers onslaught after the break, a stunning defensive display picked up all three points.
All the hype and exposure that followed the drubbing of Huddersfield carried the Reds to Manchester City on the crest of a wave. This was the perfect chance to show how good the team was against a Premier League side in the Carling Cup. City were missing a host of first team stars but despite a bright opening it was a night to forget. The City of Manchester Stadium erupted as Shaun Wright Phillips inspired the Blues to a 7-1 demolition of Paul Hart's dejected side. Barry Conlon netted the Reds consolation.
They needed to bounce back but for almost 90 minutes against Chesterfield on September 25 it looked as though another defensive minded side would take a point from Oakwell. That was until Conlon found the right key to unlock a ten man Spirites defence and Antony Kay raced clear to fire the winner.

September's last game was a LDV Vans trip to Port Vale. It was another cup night to forget as a Billy Paynter penalty gave the hosts a 1-0 win.

September 2004
P6 W1 D2 L3

AFTER a disappointing September, the Reds rolled into Bradford in early October looking to get their season back on track.
It proved to be one of the worst days of the campaign so far as a disjointed Barnsley display gifted City all three points. Dean Windass netted the only goal of the game from a hotly disputed penalty but it could have been much, much worse if not for a host of missed chances and profligate finishing from the veteran Bantam.

Paul Hart again moved into the transfer market the following week to swoop for Middlesbrough keeper Ross Turnbull on loan with the youngster making is first start of the season at Oakwell against Brentford. Ironically, Turnbull's debut for the Reds in his previous loan spell was against Brentford in the 2003/2004 campaign.

Yet again another team came to Oakwell and defended with everything they had. It was another disappointing day at the office as Michael Chopra, Daniel Nardiello, Barry Conlon, Chris Shuker and Fola Onibuje just could not find a was through and the match ended goalless.
The following weekend saw the Reds travel to Hillsborough to face Sheffield Wednesday. The Reds had not won in S6 for decades and it showed as Adam Proudlock hit a first half winner for the Owls to further compound Barnsley's woeful Autumn run.
Things got even worse at Oakwell on October 20 as Doncaster Rovers arrived and were played off the park only to somehow return to Belle Vue with a 3-1 success. The game would be remembers for a horrific challenge by John Doolan that sidelined Stephen McPhail for eight weeks and went unpunished. Doolan's assault on the midfielder sparked a bitter war of words between the two clubs that would linger on through the winter.
McPhail's place in the side went to youngster Dale Tonge a week later when Swindon Town visited. Paul Reid and Michael Chopra hit the back of the net for the Reds but the Robins battled back to earn a 2-2 draw.

Barnsley finally picked up all three points from a disappointing October when they traveled to Bournemouth. Tonge was immense alongside Nicky Wroe at the heart of the Reds midfield as a fine team display turned over the play off contenders at Dean Court. Conlon netted twice and Chopra added a fine third in a 3-1 win.

October 2004
P6 W1 D2 L3

TWO months of struggle, punctuated by the odd bright spot meant that the pressure was on going into November.

Paul Hart's team needed to kick into gear and build on a fine display at Bournemouth to take League One by storm if they were going to be anywhere near the promotion chasers come May.

Things got off to the best possible start when Barry Conlon put the Reds in front at home against Port Vale early in the month. The Reds were comfortable but four crazy minutes after the break saw the Valiants get their noses in front after first Billy Paynter netted and then Robbie Williams put through his own net to give the visitors an undeserved win.
The shockwaves of Vale's comeback were still being felt around Oakwell as the Reds traveled to Northampton Town for a FA Cup First Round clash on November 13. Scott McGleish's stunning strike was enough to put the Cobblers through into the second round after a woeful Barnsley showing saw the team dumped out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle.

A trip to Oldham Athletic followed and it was more dismay at Boundary Park as the wheels well and truly fell off the Reds bandwagon. Twice Paul Hart's team went in front through Michael Chopra and Michael Boulding but it was Oldham who had the last laugh as two Chris Killen strikes set up a grandstand finish with Scott Vernon unbelievably heading the winner deep into stoppage time.
Disappointed, dejected and facing the very real prospect of a relegation battle, Barnsley needed a pick me up. It came in the shape of Australian international Jacob Burns who smashed a stunning winner against Blackpool on November 27 to finally break the dark clouds around Oakwell. The Pool game was poor but Burns' strike was good enough to take all three points and point towards a better end to the year.

November 2004
P4 W1 D0 L3

BUOYED by a last-gasp victory over Blackpool last time out, the Reds went into December looking to finally put a smile on the faces of some disappointed supporters.

Things started well with Antony Kay heading two goals as Paul Hart's men comfortably beat Colchester United at Layer Road. The Reds showed a renewed energy and dynamism throughout and the Us just could not live with Michael Boulding and Michael Chopra. It would have been even worse but for a fine display by Colchester keeper Aidan Davidson. To make things even worse for the home side, petulant striker Craig Fagan was dismissed deep into stoppage time.

A long trip to Torquay followed on December 11 as Leroy Rosenior's side gave the Reds a real run for their money as they looked to pick up three vital points. Boulding's brave header was enough to give Paul Hart's side a much needed victory and make it three wins on the spin.

Three wins became four the following weekend as Peterborough United rolled into Oakwell and were quickly despatched to London Road on back of a real hiding. A Chopra hat trick and a fourth from Chris Shuker gave the Reds a fourth straight win and fourth straight clean sheet.
The Reds made the trip to Tranmere Rovers on Boxing Day for a tough match against the promotion chasing side from Prenton Park. Iain Hume put the home side into the lead midway through the second half before a late Kay goal stole a point for the in-form Reds.

December's final game was against Stockport County. A double from skipper Tony Vaughan and a third from Shuker gave the Reds what should have been an unassailable 3-0 lead with 50 minutes on the clock. It should have been a comfortable win but the Reds old failings came back to haunt them as they allowed County into the match. Warren Feeney, Stuart Barlow and Rickie Lambert netted to earn the visitors an unbelievable point.

December 2004
P5 W4 D1 L0

AS 2004 turned its last calendar page and the New Year arrived, Paul Hart's side were on their first real run of the season.

Six matches with out defeat had lifted the Reds up into play off contention but they needed to keep things going through January if they were to maintain a push for the top six.

The visit of Hartlepool United on New Years Day looked the ideal opportunity to put another three points on the board but a swirling wind inside Oakwell meant the game descended into a lottery. As it happened neither side managed to force a break through and, although the Reds had extended their unbeaten run, a worrying trend of drawing matches was beginning to hit hard.

A trip to Chesterfield followed quickly after and yet again Barnsley threw away a match winning lead to come back with a point. Two Michael Boulding goals had seemingly put the Reds in an unassailable position at half time but the Spirites battled back to steal a draw with a controversial last minute free kick.

Huddersfield Town came to Oakwell on January 15 and this time the Reds got things right, putting the Terriers to the sword. A fine hat trick by Michael Chopra and a Boulding goal gave the home side all three points. The Reds even survived Ross Turnbull's sending off and a twice taken penalty to hold on for a 4-2 win.

With Turnbull suspended, Nick Colgan returned to the side for the trip to Stockport County. Again the Reds were comfortably in front against the relegation haunted Hatters with goals from Boulding and Tony Vaughan but once more let things slip. It took a controversial penalty, taken three times, to level the match. Again the Reds unbeaten run continued but again it was another draw and two dropped points.
More followed at Brentford on January 25 as Boulding again put the Reds in front only for a second half equaliser to gift the home side a point. Barnsley had now gone eleven matches without defeat but had drawn way too many and were quickly losing ground on the play off chasing pack.

Bradford City came to Oakwell in front of the SKY cameras on January 31 and raced into a two goal lead in the first half when two Dean Windass goals shocked the home crowd. Barnsley rallied and a stunning strike by Chopra started the revival before Antony Kay slid in to net a stoppage time equaliser.

January 2005
P6 W1 D5 L0

AS the Reds unbeaten run stretched through December and January, hopes were still high that a late push into the play offs could still be achieved.

When Sheffield Wednesday arrived at Oakwell On February 5 the Reds were on a high having gone 12 matches without defeat although too many points had been dropped with draws. Over 19,500 packed into the stadium but all left disappointed as a hard fought local derby ended goalless.

Every unbeaten run has to end eventually and Paul Hart's men saw their luck run out at Swindon Town the following weekend. Two goals from Sam Parkin were enough to give the home side all three points, although a rare strike from Aussie international Jacob Burns did give the Reds some hope. It was disappointing but surely only a minor set back in Barnsley's push for the play offs.

A home defeat by Bournemouth on February 19 threw another spanner in the works as yet again the Reds failed to find the back of the net at Oakwell. In the end a goal from Garreth O'Connor was enough to gift the Cherries all three points and pile more pressure onto a beleagured Hart.

Things finally came to a head on February 22 when the Reds travelled to Doncaster Rovers. A freezing and snow covered February evening was one to forget for the visitors. Doncaster put the Reds to the sword from the very first whistle and the worst performance of the season at home or away saw Paul Hart's men thrashed 4-0. Tony Vaughan's red card made things even worse and hundreds of bitterly disappointed supporters made a slow and cold return to Barnsley.

Paul Hart needed a performance from his side at Oakwell against Torquay United on February 26. He got it and goals from Paul Reid, Stephen McPhail, Michael Boulding and Michael Chopra earned his team a much needed 4-1 success.
It was the last time that Paul Hart was to lead a Barnsley side into action.

February 2005
P5 W1 D1 L3

IT was a case of de'ja vu for the Reds at the start of March 2005 as Paul Hart's disappointing year in charge came to an abrupt end.

The final curtain was brought down on Hart's reign by new chairman Gordon Shepherd on March 4 - just 24 hours before a tough trip to relegation haunted Peterborough United. Andy Ritchie was given the reigns on a caretaker based and was quickly given a real problem as Ross Turnbull suffered a broken hand in training.

Scott Flinders was the surprise choice in goal and the youngster did not disappoint in his full debut at London Road. In the end it was Daniel Nardiello, brought in from the wilderness, who grabbed all the headlines with a show stealing performance from the bench to inspire the Reds to a 3-1 win. Nardiello, Chris Shuker and Michael Chopra netted the goals.

A week later Flinders was inspired as the Reds went to Bristol City and battled away for 90 long minutes to return with a point. The goalkeeper made a string of excellent saves throughout and the Reds had to fight for half an hour with only ten men after Chopra was controversially sent off but a goalless draw was a fine result for the new boss.

Danny Wilson brought his MK Dons to Oakwell on March 19 and the relegation haunted side escaped with a point. It was a fine afternoon with both sides trying to play the game in the right way. Nardiello netted a first half opener before Dons defender Michel Pensee Bilong hit a leveller after the break.

Six days later the Reds travelled to Luton Town for a Good Friday showdown with the league leaders live on Sky Sports. Everybody expected a Luton walkover. Nobody told Andy Ritchie and Barnsley were rampant and coasted to a three goal lead at the break with two fine Shuker goals and a third from Michael Chopra. It could have been even more in the end as Shuker, Nardiello, Chopra all went close; Antony Kay hit a post and Nicky Wroe managed to miss an open net as the leaders were put to the sword. Chopra managed to miss a penalty in the dying stages as Luton were thrashed 3-1.
Walsall came to Oakwell on March 28 and almost left with a point against Ritchie's renewed Reds. Kay and Nardiello put the Reds two goals up inside 50 minutes but a crazy spell saw the Saddlers level through Julian Joachim and Jorge Leitao. It was left to Chopra to net a late winner for the Reds.

March 2005
P5 W3 D2 L0

ANDY Ritchie's fine start to his spell in charge at Oakwell earned him the Manager Of The Month Award for March.

It was always going to be a touch act to follow and a trip to Hull City on April 2 would be a stern test. Trailing one nil at the break, the Reds rallied with Daniel Nardiello breaching the City defence to level. The elation was brief and Craig Fagan was given time and space in the area to put Hull back in front and give them three undeserved points.

Nardiello was again on target when Wrexham came to Oakwell on April 5 but yet again a winning position was thrown away. Michael Chopra netted a late goal to give the Reds a point in a 2-2 draw.

It was the same score line when Oldham Athletic arrived in town a fortnight later. Two goals from Simon Johnson earned the Reds another point and effectively ended any feint play off hopes still lingering around Oakwell.

The Reds had stuttered in the first few weeks of April but the wheels well and truly came off the Ritchie bandwagon at Port Vale on April 23. The Reds boss had seen his side decimated through illness and injuries and a young team were put to the sword by Vale, who ran away with a 5-0 win.

The final match of the season at Oakwell proved to be a disappointment as another Nardiello goal was cancelled out late on by Colchester to scrape a point. And so curtain fell on a stuttering season both on and off the pitch at home.
There was only the small matter of a trip to Blackpool on the final day of the campaign to look forward to.

April 2005
P5 W0 D3 L2

AS April turned into May the curtain fell on another rollercoaster of a season at Barnsley FC.

What has started with so much optimism and enthusiasm had left a bitter taste as another chance of getting out of League One evaporated through a long, hard winter.

There were some bright spots along the way and the season's end under Andy Ritchie pointed to a bright future for the coming campaign.
Ritchie's Reds ended their season at Blackpool with a comfortable stroll in the early summer sunshine as Chris Shuker and Robbie Williams wrapped up an easy 2-0 win.
Andy Ritchie was confirmed as Barnsley's new manager shortly after the season's end.

May 2005
P1 W1 D0

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