Tonge Signs!!

Last updated : 24 January 2012 By Rob Miles (BarnsleyBoy)

Barnsley have confirmed the season long loan of Stoke City midfielder Michael Tonge.

The 28 year old who rose to prominence with The Reds local rivals Sheffield United- helping them to the Division One Play-Off Final and promotion to the Premier League- has barely played for Stoke since signing for £2m in 2008- making just 12 appearances, and none for 12 months.

In that time the former England Under 21 international has spent time out on loan at Preston and Derby, and is now set to end the 2011-2012 season at Oakwell, and should be ready to make his debut against the Rams a week today.

In addition to this signing, Reds boss Keith Hill is hoping to add one more midfielder to his squad before the visit of Nigel Clough’s men, with Norwich City’s Korey Smith in his sights. The 20 year old was a key part of the Canaries squad that won back to back promotions from League One to the Premier League- making 70 appearances in the two seasons as Paul Lambert led the club to the League One title and then the runners-up spot in the Championship.

But Smith has found himself out of the side as Norwich have made an impressive start to the life in the top division, and is yet to make a Premier League appearance, getting just one 90 minute game against Milton Keynes Dons in the Carling Cup back in August. Smith’s chances of first team football have further receded by the impeding capture of Jonny Howson from Leeds.

Michael Tonge career playing details

Breakdown of player's club career.

View player's season by season record. View Stoke City squad.
Michael Tonge (Stoke City) information
Date of birth Thursday, 7th April 1983 Height 6ft 0in
Place of birth Manchester, England Weight 11st 9lb
International   Position Midfielder
Comments   Squad No. 23
Recent career history by club (1999 onwards)
TeamDebutApps (+ sub)GoalsYellowsReds
Stoke City 18 Jan 2011 0 (1) 0 0 0
Preston North End 20 Nov 2010 5 (0) 1 1 0
Stoke City 14 Aug 2010 1 (2) 0 0 0
Derby County 06 Feb 2010 19 (0) 2 1 0
Preston North End 23 Nov 2009 7 (0) 0 2 0
Stoke City 14 Sep 2008 4 (10) 0 2 0
Sheffield United 17 Apr 2001 268 (33) 24 36 0
Recent career history by season (1999 onwards)
SeasonFirst App.Apps (+ sub)GoalsYellowsReds
2010/2011 14 Aug 2010 6 (3) 1 1 0
2009/2010 26 Aug 2009 28 (1) 2 4 0
2008/2009 09 Aug 2008 7 (9) 0 1 0
2007/2008 11 Aug 2007 41 (11) 1 5 0
2006/2007 19 Aug 2006 23 (5) 2 6 0
2005/2006 06 Aug 2005 26 (7) 3 5 0
2004/2005 07 Aug 2004 39 (2) 3 5 0
2003/2004 09 Aug 2003 51 (0) 4 5 0
2002/2003 10 Aug 2002 53 (4) 8 9 0
2001/2002 29 Sep 2001 29 (3) 3 0 0
2000/2001 17 Apr 2001 1 (1) 0 1 0

Total appearances 304 (+ 46 as sub); Goals 27; Yellow cards 42; Red cards 0