Football Season Review

Barnsley were relegated thanks to a disastrous second half of the season. They had not enjoyed as good a first half as they had in the previous campaign but under local lad Paul Heckingbottom had stability and although they were in a precarious position, they never really looked like being serious relegation contenders while he was at the club. That all changed when Heckingbottom left for Leeds. His replacement Jose Morais really struggled to adapt to English football and after an appalling time at the club was sacked after the final day 4-1 defeat at Derby that ended Barnsley's Championship spell after two years in England's second tier. Oli McBurnie was given player of the year even though he was only at the club for the second part of the season, an initial loan move from Swansea failed in August so he was in limbo until he hit nine goals in 17 appearances in the second half of the campaign, a record that earned him a gong, which says as much about other players' failings than his own success. Barnsley have lost their way somewhat with their former chairman passing away prompting the club to be sold. They will need to get their identity back somewhat when they return to League One. They also know they need to find a new manager quickly to help the rebuilding process.

Player of the Season: Oliver McBurnie