A family of Reds have flocked to Barnsley for a week’s worth of action, from Australia.
The Fox family came to Oakwell for the first time in nearly six years, over the weekend, taking in the Reds’ impressive 2-0 victory over Accrington Stanley.
“We’ve lived in Adelaide, Australia for the last 10 years,” mother Bec, told barnsleyfc.co.uk. “I’m from there, my husband, James, is a ‘Tarn Lad’ and out of our two kids, our son was born in Barnsley and daughter in Australia. We’ve visited a few times over the years but usually come in the summer, therefore missing the ‘Super Reds’ as they are so affectionately referred to in our house.”
Prior to the game, youngsters Zak and Izzy were treated to a personalised signed card off fellow Aussie, Kenny Dougall. Once the warm-up was complete, Kenny headed straight over to find his newly-crowned biggest fans, having a quick selfie with them before heading back to the changing room to start the match.
“It was a great experience, we were really surprised. They loved the atmosphere of the game, it’s changed since we were last there a few years ago in terms of the kids understanding more. They are able to enjoy it so much more and my son, Zak, told me straight away that it was so much better than the football in Australia.
“It was so good to meet Kenny and for him to come over and see the kids, especially picking them out. Obviously they like him anyway as he’s Australian but it’s safe to say he’s their favourite player now, Izzy’s favourite number is four as well so it was perfect!”
The family will now be at Oakwell for the huge clash with Sunderland this evening, before then making the short trip to the Keepmoat Stadium on Friday night in the South Yorkshire derby.
“We’re excited for tonight. We’re lucky because we can get three games in a week, the trip was planned around that. We usually only get to Barnsley over the summer, that means we miss the football but we wanted to be here this time so came a bit earlier. We’re confident and looking forward to tonight as well as going to Doncaster on Friday!”
With Bec, James, Izzy and Zak living so far away, it’s usually a case of sitting around a laptop with a long HDMI lead into the tele, in order to view the matches via iFollow Barnsley!
“We love to keep in touch, as much as we can,” the family told us. “With how much goes online now, we can really feel part of it. The content on the website and the games being on iFollow Barnsley means we always know, and we have a few 3am starts to watch them live!
“We fly back to Australia on Monday, so there are two more games and we can’t wait. Thank you to Barnsley Football Club for everything they have done for us, we’ll keep wearing our shirts in Australia.”
Thank you for your fantastic support, the Fox family!
#YouAustralianReds
