We’re back in action at Oakwell for the traditional Boxing Day fixture as we entertain Huddersfield Town in the Sky Bet Championship.
That means there’s another edition of GROVE STREET landing on your doormat, should you place your order in time.
And what an issue we have in store for you to tuck into while you’re enjoying your seventh helping of turkey this festive period – hopefully we’ll hand out the stuffing in our Yorkshire derby!
As promised, we mark this fixture by remembering a club legend in NORMAN RIMMINGTON, with this game falling closest to the anniversary of his passing in 2016.
A true Reds great, Rimmo’s presence was felt by everyone associated with Barnsley FC and it is only fitting that we acknowledge his importance to the Club in this memorial edition.
We sat down with CALLUM BRITTAIN, who has made a blistering start to life in a red shirt. The flying wing-back has wowed the Reds’ faithful with a number of breath-taking performances, transitioning seamlessly from League One to the second tier and taking it all in his stride.
Our number seven talks all things football, particularly our current decent run of form and his loan spell in Iceland, which he claims was the making of him, plus a particularly comedic Christmas story.
The next feature piece is with the main man himself, VALÉRIEN ISMAËL. We thought we would treat you this Christmas to a bumper interview with our Head Coach who discusses his incredible playing career at length and reminisces about all of the phenomenal players he played alongside.
From European success with Racing Strasbourg to twice being a German double winner during spells with Werder Bremen and Bayern Munich, the gaffer has been there and done it all alongside some unbelievable characters, too.
He opens up about his time after playing, his failings as a coach and how it has helped to shape the philosophy that he has implemented with aplomb since arriving at Barnsley in October.
We also spoke with Academy Manager, BOBBY HASSELL who provides an update on the progress of our U23s and U18s sides – both of which have made a flying start to their respective Professional Development League campaigns.
Bobby talks to us about the prospects within our academy set-up, while also praising the tireless work of the coaching staff and everyone else who works behind the scenes providing the best possible future for our youngsters.
Our Club Chaplain, PETER AMOS addresses supporters in a nostalgic column about Boxing Day football, while also highlighting the importance of sticking together in times of great adversity in a poignant piece.
U18s captain, JOE ACKROYD is next to take on the TEN QUESTIONS challenge and delivers a somewhat feeble attempt – if you think you can beat his score, feel free to pick up your copy of GROVE STREET and test your football knowledge.
As ever, there are five pages dedicated to our visitors from West Yorkshire, including LEIGH EDWARDS’ Homegrown Heroes feature and NEIL RICHARDSON depicts club legend ADAM HAMMILL in his 250 column.
It’s another jam-packed edition for you to enjoy and you can order your copy of GROVE STREET here or head to the Reds Superstore and collect one for just £3!
