Match Preview: AFC Fylde v Barnsley(Pre Season)08/07/23.

The Coasters carry on their pre-season schedule with a test against south yorkshire outfit Barnsley FC. The game was due to be played at Kellamergh Park however the game has been moved to behind closed doors due to safety concerns from Lancashire county council. Barnsley FC also known as the Tykes find themselves situated in League one after narrowly missing out on promotion to the Championship last time out. Barnsley FC were founded in 1887 by Reverend Tiverton Preedy and originally played in a blue colour scheme much like there rivals Sheffield Wednesday however this was quickly changed to red. Barnsley are also one of a few clubs to win the prestigious Fa Cup when winning it in 1912. The Tykes have seen success as recent as 2019 when gaining promotion to the championship by finishing 2nd. Barnsley’s most successful season in recent times can be seen in the 2015-16 season when they won the football league trophy and the league one playoff final in the same season. The Tykes also enjoyed a season in the premier league in the 1997-98 season with Danny Wilson at the helm. 

Current form:

This will be both the Coasters and the Tykes second pre-season game with both sides winning away at lower league opposition. The Coasters ran out comfortable 4-1 winners away to Longridge Town, whereas the Tykes ran out 2-1 winners away to Worksop Town with 2 different elevens on show. 

Management and Key Players:

Manager- Neil Collins

Perfect timing from the Coasters review team as Barnsley decided today was the day to announce their new manager following Micheal Duff’s departure to Swansea earlier on in June. Collins spent the majority of his playing career in the UK playing for Yorkshire counterparts Leeds United and Sheffield United whilst also having spells at Wolves and Hartlepool before deciding to make the switch to the US ending his playing career at the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Collins then moved to the sidelines for the Rowdies and enjoyed a successful spell. In Collins first season he managed to gain them to 5th earning a Playoff place but narrowly missing out on any silverware. The following season the continuation of success carried on managing to get to the playoff final only for the final to be cancelled due to covid. The 2021-22 season and 2022-23 season both followed the patterns of the past with Collins guiding them to the promotion final both times but losing both times meaning he left America for Oakwell with a good record however no trophies to show for it. Some Barnsley fans may be underwhelmed by this appointment expecting a more experienced coach, however he looks like he knows how to get a team to the top of the league which is what the Tykes need.

Key Players

Callum Styles- The 23 year old Hungarian is on the radar for quite a few championship and Premier league clubs with his talents obvious to the eye. The versatile midfielder can often see himself playing at full back with his talents on show at the international stage with Hungary. Spending the majority of last season out on loan with Millwall, Callum never got to show off his talents as he was injured. However, this could be a massive season for Callum and will be a major player if Barnsley can keep hold of him and keep him fit. 

Liam Kitching- Kitching joined the club in the January transfer window of 2021 and hasn’t looked back since. Versatile as a centre back or a left back he can be classed as a rock at the back. A key part in Barnsley’s run to the playoff final was due to a solid defence and that can be empathised through Liam’s role making 53 appearances in all competitions. At only 23 Kitching can expect a big role in EFL football and potentially a move to the Premier League in the near future.

Devante Cole- Son of Andy, Devante is also a forward like his dad and certainly knows how to find the net for the Tykes. Hitting the net 16 times last season was Cole’s most prolific season to date. With pace to break in behind and the skill to finish Cole can cause defenders a right nightmare. On his 10th club at the age of 28 Devante does seem the journey man type however this will be his fourth season at Oakwell over 2 different spells so he does seem to have found a home at the South Yorkshire outfit. 

Recent Transfers:

Barnsley seem to have gone with a cheaper alternative with their transfers this season so far looking lower down the leagues for talent rather than blowing it on players from abroad.

Ben Killip(Goalkeeper) arrived on a free from Hartlepool United. Bit of a punt as has never played above League 2 and did receive criticism last season for some of the mistakes he made in Hartlepool relegation season, only making 1 appearance after January. 

Kacper Lopata(Defender) arrived on a free from Woking. Another punt however Woking and Southend fans highly rate the defender and could be seen as a smart piece of business. Once again lacking experience at this level however could make a great partnership with Kitching with height being a major advantage for both of them.

However when players come in, players must also depart and after having a very successful season on the pitch departures are bound to happen.

Mads Andersen(defender) undisclosed fee to Luton Town. Mads, a fan favourite at Oakwell will be a massive miss. Towering and powerful centre back he could be seen as playing a bit below his level and this move to the Premier league gives him the chance to showcase his talents which had been happening week in week out in the EFL.

Luke Thomas(winger) free transfer to Bristol Rovers. Thomas was seen as a bit part in last season's campaign making 27 appearances in total. Thomas however did provide great squad depth and did excel in the occasional start that he did make and was seen as a great servant for the club. 

Previous Meetings:

This will be the 1st ever meeting between the 2 clubs and it’s a shame that nobody will be able to watch it, however Barnsley and coasters fans will be able to listen to Coasters radio which will commentate on the game.