BARNSLEY FOOTBALL CLUB

Reds Manager Danny Wilson caught up with Barnsley Player ahead of this weekend’s season-opener against Crawley Town at Oakwell.

The visit of the Red Devils will be the first meeting of the two sides, as both Club’s new-look squads go head-to-head.

“I don’t really know what Crawley are like as they’ve been similar to us,” said Wilson. “They’ve brought in 13 or 14 players. They are trying a new formula. What I do know is that their manager, John Gregory, knows the game inside out.

“He’ll have put a few players in who he knows can do the job. I know one or two of the players from working with them before – the likes of Izale McLeod who’s a very big goal threat. You have to be very much on your toes with him.

“They’ll feel they can do very well in League One this year. Like ourselves, their team being in its infancy and it’ll be interesting to see how they turn out.”

Regarding team news, the only two concerns from last week are goalkeeper Ross Turnbull and midfielder James Bailey, as Wilson continued, “James felt his groin in the warm-up (against Sheffield Wednesday) and the last thing we want is anything happening in a pre-season game. We took the precautionary measure of withdrawing James but he’s fine now and has trained all week.

“Ross is our only other concern. He had an injection in his back. He’s had a bit of a spasm so we’re hoping that turns out positive and that he’s available for the weekend.”

The Barnsley boss was boosted with the news that winger Keith Treacy penned a two-year deal with the Reds on Wednesday night, with Wilson commenting, “Keith Treacy adds a little bit more experience. That extra experience in the final third is a big positive because Keith has a lot to offer the Club.

“Technically, he is a very gifted player. He will put you on the edge of your seat and provide and give you goals. He has that hunger. He’s desperate to show people what they’ve missed out on.”

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Don't forget to grab your ticket for the match at Oakwell here.