2008-2009 Season Previews

Last updated : 08 August 2008 By Rob Miles (barnsley Boy)

Manager: Mick McCarthy

Odds to win: 14-1

2007-2008:

Position: 7th W:18 D:16 L:12 F:53 A:48 Points: 70

Top Scorer: Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (12)

FA Cup: Fifth Round

League Cup: Second Round

Yellows: 49 Reds: 0

Results against Reds:

10/11/07 Wolves 1-0 Barnsley. 4/12/08 Barnsley 1-0 Wolves.

2008-2009:

Name: Helena Moran

Club: Wolverhampton Wanderers

Level of Interest: Season ticket holder and go away games when I can

How has pre-season gone for you?

After losing to Wrexham in the 1st friendly, we have gone on to win the next 3 games, so it seems the new additions to the squad are fitting in well with the rest of the team.

Are you pleased with the signings your club has made?

I think our new striker Sam Vokes will prove a good signing providing lots of goals, our defenders were our weakest point last season, although we have signed Richard Stearman, I would like to see the signing of another defender

What realistically are you aiming for this season?

We are a team that aims for promotion every season, optimistically I like us to get automatic promotion but realistically I think we'll make the playoffs

Which player has past his sell by date?

Karl Henry proved a disappointment last season after starting off promisingly when he moved to Wolves from Stoke.

Have you got the right manager in charge?

Yes as long as Mick learns from his mistakes last year.

What advice would you give him?

Don't favour players that are not on form when you have able players that can turn a game around.

Who do you see as your key player?

Wayne Hennessey for his goal stopping ability and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake for his goal scoring ability.

Who would you most like to beat this season?

Birmingham

Where will you finish?

Hopefully in the top 2 but if not at least in the playoffs.

How do you rate Barnsley's chances next season and where do you think they will finish?

I think Barnsley will finish mid-table, last season they started off well, but then let it slip, I think this season they will do slightly better, I don't think they will end up fighting relegation towards the end of the season like they did last season

Name: Dean Elsmore (a.k.a Deanowolf)

Club: Wolves

Level of Interest: Season ticket holder and about half of the away matches

How has pre-season gone for you?

Lost one drew 1 won 4

Are you pleased with the signings your club has made?

Relatively pleased with David Jones, Richard Stearman and Sam Vokes a little apprehensive about Iwelumo but we'll see.

What realistically are you aiming for this season?

Promotion by any means necessary

Which player has past his sell by date?

No really old players that aren't up to it but I'd move Neill Collins on

Have you got the right manager in charge?

No, I have serious doubts, this is the last year of his "3 year plan"

What advice would you give him?

Start picking players on form and quality rather than if they're your mates from Sunderland/ Ireland

Who do you see as your key player?

Sylvan Ebanks-Blake

Who would you most like to beat this season?

Bristol City - the McIndoe factor

Where will you finish?

5th

How do you rate Barnsley's chances next season and where do you think they will finish?

Around 12th I'd say

Name:
Jason Bateman (a.k.a Quirkafleeg)

Club:
Wolverhampton Wanderers

Level of Interest:


Home and away season ticket holder

How has pre-season gone for you?


Pre-season has gone pretty well, results have been good and our main players have looked on the metal.

I have doubts on McCarthy using the likes of Ian Harte, George Elokobi and Stephen Ward out of position and bigging them up but he's the gaffer so we'll have to wait and see.


Are you pleased with the signings your club has made?


Looking over pre-season and Richard Stearman looks a bargain, he's strong and has got his head screwed on.

Sam Vokes will take a lot longer to gel as he will not be first choice like Stearman.

David Jones linked up well with Mark Davies in midfield, really looking forward to seeing that partnership gel.

What realistically are you aiming for this season?


I play the confident role and always plump for top spot, however in a realistic world and the likes Reading may have a little too much for the CCC. So saying that nothing sort of a playoff place and a playoff win.

Which player has past his sell by date?


Well Neil Collins is the current booboy and at the ripe old age of 23 as well....I don't think Wolves fans perceptions of him are gonna change soon.

Have you got the right manager in charge?


Not for me. He hasn't strengthened key area's in the 2 seasons he's been in charge. As a defender you would have though that area would be key, but seems like he likes strikers and that hasn't done the trick as of yet.

What advice would you give him?


Listen to the fans for once. Buy a central defender and another central midfielder and stop experimenting with crap in other areas.

Who do you see as your key player?


Michael Kightly seems the obvious choice, he's strong, forward thinking and can beat men at will. However I'm gonna say Matty Jarvis, quicker then Kites and one that I'm looking for to make us shed loads of goals this season.

Who would you most like to beat this season?


Blose (Birmingham) is the obvious choice now, but the likes of Bristol City, Forest and possibly Reading are also towards the top of the list.

Where will you finish?

3rd maybe 4th, hopefully a comfortable playoff berth this season.

How do you rate Barnsley's chances next season and where do you think they will finish?

Can I be honest and say I don't really care.