BARNSLEY swooped into the transfer market to sign striker Jon Macken initally on loan from Premier League side Derby County in November 2007.

A full Irish international, Jon started his career at Manchester United but left Old Trafford in 1997 to link up with Preston North End. He went on to earn legendary status at Deepdale with 79 goals in 227 matches for the Lilywhites. His prolific form earned a big money move across the North West to Manchester City in 2002 when City paid £5m to secure his services. Although he struggled a little at City, he still managed to clock up 59 games and 12 goals for the club, with most of those games in the top flight. He also bagged two goals in a 5-1 demolition of the Reds at Maine Road in April 2002.

Jon left City in June 2005 and joined Crystal Palace although he was limited to just 30 appearances for the Eagles. He spent a successful spell on loan at Ipswich Town last season before joining Derby County's promotion push in January 2007. The 30-year-old made eight league appearances for the Rams as they secured promotion to the top flight.

Although he took a while to hit the goal trail, Jon became an important part of the Reds side and impressed with his all-action performances. He helped himself to eight goals along the way in his 29 games as the Reds fired their way to Championship safety.

Jon was in fine form throughout 2008/2009 as he benefitted from regular football. He responded with nine important goals along the way.

With Iain Hume, Daniel Bogdanovic and Andy Gray all fighting for places in the starting eleven, Jon responded with another fine season in the side, netting some important goals along the way.

Reds Record
Games - 111
Goals - 22

CLICK HERE FOR TICKET INFORMATION FROM OAKWELL!!!

CLICK HERE TO SHOP ONLINE

©WWW.BARNSLEYFC.CO.UK 2010 RNK

GET THE EXCLUSIVES FIRST - Subscribers to our official SMS service are the first to hear all the big news from inside Oakwell. Be the first to know about all the latest exclusive news from Oakwell next time by signing up to our text service today - click here for more.