Football Season Guide

It promises to be a season of transition for South Yorkshire side Barnsley after former Rochdale boss Keith Hill agreed to jump ship and join the Tykes despite successfully leading ‘Dale to their first promotion out of League Two and into the third tier for 35 years a season ago and enjoying a successful campaign last term. Hill certainly has his work cut out in keeping Barnsley free from the Championship drop zone in what promises to be yet another competitive campaign. The Reds are likely to feel the absence of former skipper Jason Shackell, who departed to Derby County in the summer. However, Hill has secured defensive reinforcements with the signing of Blackpool defender Rob Edwards and promising Derby defender Miles Addison on a season-long loan. Most Championship supporters will look at the Barnsley squad and wonder where the goals will come from, despite the addition of Welsh striker Craig Davies from Chesterfield. Barnsley’s home form has been dependable in recent seasons and they are likely to need results at Oakwell again this term in order to steer clear of the drop.