Football Season Review

Against all the odds, Barnsley survived relegation to League One by the skin of their teeth. The Tykes looked to be in deep trouble in the opening half of the season when it was decided that boss Keith Hill and the club needed to part. Ironically, it was Hill's assistant, David Flitcroft, who was eventually handed the opportunity to revitalise the team and revitalise it he did. Flitcroft's positive attitude visibly rubbed off on the Reds squad as they began to turn Oakwell into a fortress in the latter stages, defeating top six contenders such as Leicester and Hull in front of their own fans. There were a few key signings that tipped the balance in Flitcroft's favour. Veteran striker, Jason Scotland arrived having been released by Ipswich and the Trinidadian struck six league goals in less than a third of the season. Loan striker, Chris O'Grady also impressed after surprisingly being allowed to join by relegation rivals Sheffield Wednesday. Defensively, the Tykes have never been too watertight, particularly away from home, and that nearly proved their undoing again this time around. Barnsley will almost certainly have one of the smallest budgets in the league next term and Flitcroft will need every ounce of his character once again to motivate them to stay in the division.

Player of the Season: Martin Cranie