Six players will now return to their parent clubs following the conclusion of the 2022/23 Sky Bet League One campaign.
With immense gratitude, Barnsley Football Club expresses its thanks and best wishes to the following players who represented the Reds with real distinction this season whilst on loan at Oakwell.
HARRY ISTED (Alumni Number 1405)
The 26-year-old goalkeeper joined the Club from Luton Town at the end of January, and whilst initially taking up the role of providing support to Brad Collins, he would step into the breach following an injury to Collins and never looked back.
Taking the gloves and retaining them until the end of the season with some fine displays, his performance at Wembley in the Sky Bet League One Play-Off Final will live long in the memory, as will his professional attitude and commitment to the cause.
Harry Isted thanked the fans for their support this season: “I loved my time here at Barnsley. Thank you to the players and fans for helping me settle in so easily. It’s six months that I’ll never forget and hopefully next season brings the club even more success.”
We thank Harry for his important contribution to what was a season to remember.
ZIYAD LARKECHE (Alumni Number 1394)
The French full-back joined the Club at the end of the summer transfer window, leaving Premier League outfit Fulham in a season-long loan deal.
Operating wide on the left, Ziyad would score one of the strikes of the season on his Barnsley debut, with a rocket of a free-kick against Newcastle United’s U21s in the Papa John’s Trophy.
Proving a more than reliable understudy to Nicky Cadden for much of the season, the 20-year-old made 23 appearances under Michael Duff who often praised the youngster for his professionalism and willingness to learn.
Larkeche is grateful for the chances offered this term, saying: “I wanted to thank everyone at Barnsley, Khaled obviously, Michael Duff and the staff for the opportunity, it has been a really good first year of experience.
“I know that next season they will manage to be promoted - that is where this club belongs, in the Championship.
“I wanted to also thank all of the Reds fans for their support during the year - see you soon.”
We thank Ziyad for his valuable involvement in the 22/23 season.
BOBBY THOMAS (Alumni Number 1401)
The 22-year-old Chester-native signed on-loan for the Club in the middle of January, having already completed a half-season loan with fellow League One side Bristol Rovers.
A product of the Burnley youth system, the Clarets allowed him to join the Reds until the end of the season and Thomas seamlessly slotted into the back three of Michael Duff’s defence.
He would go on to make 25 appearances, scoring three times and proving a massively popular addition to the squad with both players and staff alike.
Thomas spoke highly of his time at Oakwell: “Now my time’s up at this fantastic club I’d just like to say a massive thank you to the club and the fans for the great half-a-season I had here.
“From the first week I was here I was welcomed by the players/staff/fans as well as I could’ve wished. Picking up great results straight away and going on to have a successful season but cruelly miss out on promotion.
“I’m sure you will have the success you all deserve in the near future as the club is definitely going in the right direction. Thank you all very much - U REDS!”
We thank Bobby for his outstanding spell with us this season.
JOSH MARTIN (Alumni Number 1390)
A product of the Arsenal academy setup, Martin joined the Club last summer on a season-long loan deal from Norwich City.
The 21-year-old scored three goals in his 23 appearances across all competitions, adding a versatility to Michael Duff’s midfield options.
His opportunities became limited towards the end of the campaign, but his work ethic and commitment to the cause never wavered and we thank Josh for his fine contribution to a strong campaign for the Reds.
Martin enjoyed the journey, telling us: “This season for the club has been special and I feel we deserved a promotion. Individually, I’ve had ups and downs this season but I’ve learned a lot along the way. I enjoyed my time at Barnsley, especially going to Wembley, the whole journey has been amazing. I can only think of great things to come.”
SLOBODAN TEDIĆ (Alumni Number 1386)
The Reds signed Tedić on a season-long loan from Manchester City in the summer of last year, with the Serbian forward making real positive strides across the campaign.
Initially making an impact from the bench, the 23-year-old suffered an injury that ruled him out for three months of the season, but upon his return, Slobodan grasped further opportunities and grabbed his first Reds goal, a last minute winner away at Wycombe Wanderers.
Tedić told us: “I spent a beautiful year in Barnsley. I enjoyed it. Everyone here accepted me in the best possible way, from the fans to the players and coaches. The fans here are extraordinary, and I am very sorry that we did not get promoted to the Championship because I think we deserved it.”
Trusted to start all three end-of-season Play-Off ties, we thank ‘Boban’ for his exemplary attitude and positive contribution to a campaign that will be remembered with pride.
MAX WATTERS (Alumni Number 1400)
The 24-year-old frontman joined the Reds on-loan from Cardiff City at the end of the January transfer window.
Going on to make 21 appearances and scoring four times, the goal he stuck into the top corner in front of the ‘Ponty End’ against Sheffield Wednesday will have been a real highlight, whilst his quickfire double away at MK Dons showed exactly what he’s about.
Watters had nothing but kind words following his spell with us: “My time at Barnsley has been amazing; lots of ups and downs and lots of incredible memories. It’s a shame we didn’t manage to get promotion but I wish the club the best of luck for next season. Also, I want to thank all the fans and staff for being so welcoming and friendly during my time at Oakwell.”
We thank Max for his hard work and endeavour across his spell with the Reds and for contributing to what was a fine campaign for the Club.
Head Coach, Michael Duff on the departing loanees: “I can’t speak highly enough of all of our players this season, whether on-loan or otherwise. They have worked hard, they’ve taken on instruction and their performances throughout the campaign are the by-product of all that.
“I’ve enjoyed working with the six lads who now return to their parent clubs. They contributed to what I’m sure everyone would agree was a positive season for the football club.”
Chief Executive Officer, Khaled El-Ahmad added: “We are thankful to each club who trusted us with their player’s development over the course of this season and I also want to thank each player for their hard work, positive influence and contribution to our campaign.
“Whilst this is goodbye for now, we would be more than happy to work together again in the future.”
Whilst his loan-spell was cut short through injury back in January, it would be remiss of us not to thank Tom Edwards (Alumni Number 1392) for his own outstanding involvement in the 22/23 season.
The 24-year-old defender made 15 appearances for the Club prior to the injury and was a massively positive influence on and off the pitch.
Thank you to Tom for his efforts as a Red throughout the campaign.
And finally, we cannot miss this opportunity to pass on our thanks and best wishes to Clarke Oduor (Alumni Number 1351) who will also be departing Oakwell this summer.
The 23-year-old utility player made 57 appearances for the Club over the last four years and will be forever remembered for the one goal that he scored, on a crazy evening in Brentford on Wednesday 22 July 2020.
His winning goal in that fixture with the Bees ultimately proved the difference as the Reds maintained their second tier status in dramatic fashion.
Good luck, ‘Clarkey’ and thank you!
