Barnsley’s summer exodus has rose to 21 after left back Tom Kennedy today agree to cancel his contract by mutual consent.
The 29 year old signed from Leicester in 2012 and made 75 appearances for the Reds, with his debut coming in the amazing 5-0 win at Birmingham in September 2012.
However the former Bury and Rochdale man who had worked under previous Barnsley bosses Keith Hill and David Flitcroft failed to endear himself to the Oakwell faithful, with many making him a scapegoat for the club’s failings during his time at the club, which of course culminated in relegation in May. The club won just 20 of his 75 games, with 12 of those coming in 2012-2013, they won just eight of 47 last season.
Kennedy did not show any animosity to the club or its supporters upon his departure however tweeting:
“Jus like to wish all the players and staff at Barnsley all the best for the season!! enjoyed my time at the club good and bad and hope the Club can get back to where it belongs in the champ asap!! thanks to the fans, positive and negative just part and parcel of the game!!”
With this exit, just FOUR players remain from the 18 man squad that were relegated at Middlesbrough on the 26th April (Martin Cranie, Jean-Yves Mvoto, Dale Jennings and Danny Rose.)
Barnsley have moved quickly to replace Kennedy by signing Reece Brown on a one-year contract. The 22 year old who was released by Watford this summer impressed manager Danny Wilson during friendly games against Hull and Manchester United. He told the club’s official website:
“Having interest from here wasn’t something I was going to turn down,”
“I need to start playing games. My natural position is a centre-back but wherever the Manager decides to play me, I’ll definitely try my best.”
Brown is joined at the club by Hull right-back Joe Dudgeon. As we revealed last night Dudgeon arrives at Oakwell on an initial one-month loan and becomes Wilson’s ninth capture of the close season.
Meanwhile in other news exciting young prospect Brad Abbott has signed a new contract at Oakwell.
The 19-year-old midfielder has penned a new two-year deal after playing in the pre-season games against Halifax, Al Ain, Hull and Manchester United.