Barnsley FC Player Season Reports: 2008-2009

Rob Kozluk:

League Appearances: 36(1)

League Goals: 0

FA Cup 0

League Cup: 1

A player whose form this season can easily be described as erratic. Kozzie is not a player who shirks a challenge and will often put his head in where others wouldn't put their bodies even if they were wearing body armour. Unfortunately he is increasingly prone to rash challenges and moments of madness. These include costly handballs in the area against Sheffield United and Coventry. Still, you would rather have him than be against him. C

Diego Leon:

League Appearances: 15(4)

League Goals: 1

FA Cup 1

League Cup: 1

A player with bags of talent but just not the physique to cope with English football. The small Spaniard was often a joy to watch on the ball but even the smallest opposing players were able to knock him off it. His last appearance in a red shirt was the 2-1 home defeat to Ipswich in January and then he seems to have cried off the rest of the season injured. It has now been announced he will be released this summer. D-

Jon Macken:

League Appearances: 36(+9)

League Goals: 9

FA Cup 0

League Cup: 1

Still Barnsley's best striker, and looking at his goals column that really doesn't say much. A player who creates far more assists than he actually scores but he is still a vital component of the team. His link-up play was in real evidence in the 2-1 win at Plymouth where he set up both goals. Doesn't get in the box as much as he should though. C-

Michael Mifsud:

League Appearances: 12(3)

League Goals: 2

FA Cup 0

League Cup: 0

A player who arrived on loan with a massive reputation after his goal-scoring exploits for Coventry in 2007-2008 but was a massive let-down. He was caught offside more times than he created chances, although his goals (both classy finishes against Birmingham and Crystal Palace) showed his quality. E

Darren Moore:

League Appearances: 37(1)

League Goals: 1

FA Cup 0

League Cup: 1

A player whose season has really gone full circle. Fans were less than pleased when Simon Davey brought in a 34 year old centre half last summer and he didn't help himself by conceding penalties in the first two games of the season against QPR and Crewe. A turning point seemed to arrive when he was sent off in the 4-1 defeat of Doncaster and he returned in much better form. Although he cannot seem to kick a football properly he is practically unbeatable in the air and has become a real legend to the fans. Next season will probably be his last at this level though. C

Heinz Muller:

League Appearances: 36

League Goals: 0

FA Cup 1

League Cup: 0

A very difficult season for the giant German. He had an extraordinary start to 2007-2008 in which he was described as one of the best keepers in the Championship and was linked with Arsenal and Fulham. A terrible knee injury, suffered against Colchester in January 2008 ended his season and he doesn't seem to have returned the same. Still a towering presence, his decision making has been called into question and he has made notable errors against Swansea, Watford and Ipswich. This led him to being dropped for Luke Steele with four matches to go. D