Football Season Guide

On a relatively meagre budget by Championship standards, Barnsley boss Keith Hill has had to revamp his squad once again following the departure of a number of first team players from last season. After recording the second worst goal difference in the division and avoiding the drop by a narrow margin, the former Rochdale boss has gone back to the drawing board this summer in a bid to revitalise the Tykes' fortunes. Homegrown playmaker Jacob Butterfield departed for a crack at the big time with Norwich City, while first teamers Andy Gray, Nathan Doyle, Jay McEveley and David Cotterill all moved on to pastures new. Midfielders, Jacob Mellis and Kelvin Etuhu may turn out to be astute signings with the pair highly regarded at youth team level. However, the Reds' marquee signing, Mido, should increase the weekly gate at Oakwell with the Egyptian striker returning to English football in a bid to rejuvenate his journeyman playing career. A safe mid-table position is likely to be the best Barnsley can hope for in comparison with sides coming down from the top flight with parachute money.