Barnsley had a busy transfer deadline day by bringing three players in, extending the loan of two others and allowing two youngsters to leave on short-term deals.
All three of the Reds’ signings were young players with two coming from non-league sides who Head Coach Lee Johnson believes have bright futures in the game.
24-year-old striker Shaun Tuton arrived from National League outfit Halifax Town. Several Football League clubs had tracked Tuton after he netted 11 times in 28 appearances for the Shaymen this season, including in three of his final four outings.
Tuton has signed a two and a half year contract at Oakwell with the option of a further year if he impresses.
Following Tuton in to the club were a pair of midfielders. 20-year-old Charlie Harris has arrived from Championship side Brighton and Hove Albion. Harris who graduated from the Brighton academy never made a senior appearance for the East Sussex promotion challengers but scored once in four games on loan at Aldershot earlier this season with his goal coming on his debut for the National League side. Harris has signed an 18-month deal after Barnsley and Brighton agreed an undisclosed fee to move him up north.
And finally 19-year-old Josh Kay was signed from National League North side AFC Fylde on an 18-month deal. Kay will initially work with The Reds Academy set-up and coaches Paul Heckingbottom, Martin Devaney plus Academy Head of Recruitment Bobby Hassell.
Most Barnsley supporters will have been happier however with players who were already at the club committing their short-term future to the side. Midfielder Josh Brownhill has agreed to remain on loan from Preston for the rest of the season. Some credit the arrival of the 20 year old with The Reds recent upsurge in fortunes and indeed they have won all four of the games in which he has played.
Another key component in Barnsley’s run from the bottom of the table to the top half has been centre half Kevin Long and the 25 year old will remain on loan from Burnley until the 19th February. Some supporters questioned why this was not turned into a season long deal but Johnson confirmed this morning that the plan was only to give Long game time and he remains a key part of Burnley manager Sean Dyche’s immediate plans. Barnsley have won seven of the 10 games Long has featured in, losing just two (one of which he was sent off in)
Two up and coming Barnsley youngsters have departed on loan, striker George Maris who has made four appearances for The Reds has moved to Lincoln City for the rest of the season whilst Harry White who arrived from Gloucester in September but has yet to feature has joined Kidderminster for 28 days.