Football Season Guide

Barnsley exceeded all expectations last season as the appointment of Valerian Ismael in late October and a high intensity direct brand of football heralded a remarkable rise up the table. During February and March they only lost once, winning nine of their 11 games. They finished in the play-offs but were beaten in the semi-finals. The close season has seen the departure of Ismael as well as captain and key man Mowatt. Mowatt was the lynchpin of the team, he left the club after turning down the most lucrative contract offer in Barnsley’s history. For a new manager they have gone back to their tried and tested formula which is the appointment of a boss who has previously succeeded in the Austrian Bundesliga. The new man is Markus Schopp. He worked wonders on a small budget at Austrian side Hartberg, leading them to fifth in 2019/20 and seventh last season. On the playing staff, with loan star Dike leaving, the Reds needed to strengthen up front. They have brought in Cole who hit 11 goals in 27 Scottish Premier League appearances last season and former Belgium youth international Oulare. Barnsley have an exciting young squad who showed their qualities last season. However, it remains to be seen how they fare without Ismael and Mowatt.