Barnsley Team News

By: Fishy News Team
Date: 31/12/2001

NEW GRIMSBY MANAGER Paul Groves is expected to name the same line-up that defeated Portsmouth 3-1 on Saturday. Striker Jonathan Rowan is not expected to make it in time for the trip to Oakwell, and Alan Neilson and Wayne Burnett are Town's main injury worries.

New boss Paul Groves is expected to stick to the same 3-5-2 formation that saw Town capture all three points against Portsmouth on Saturday, and is expected to feature the same personnel. The only change could come at right wing back, where Alan Neilsen is rated 50:50 with a niggling hamstring injury. Should he fail to make it, then it could mean a recall for Menno Willems, with Danny Butterfield moving to right wing back. There have been concerns over the fitness of Wayne Burnett, but he is still expected to start in the midfield. Apart from that, it will be the same squad that was used for the Portsmouth game with Steve Livingstone, John McDermott, Alan Pouton, Bradley Allen, Paul Raven and Jonny Rowan all still on the sidelines.

As Oakwell has undersoil heating there is not expected to be any doubt over the game going ahead due to the freezing weather.

After Saturday's win Paul Groves paid tribute to the recently departed pair of Lennie Lawrence and John Cockerill, who left the club on Friday. "My head is still spinning after taking over yesterday and I want to dedicate this result to Lennie Lawrence and John Cockerill. They've put some hard work in here and instilled some good habits and put good things into this football club," said Groves, who is asking for the same again from his players on New Year's Day.

Meanwhile, Barnsley who are enjoying a good run of form under new manager Steve Parkin will welcome back striker Bruce Dyer from a one game suspension. He will take the place of Gary McSwegan who made his debut against Rotherham at the weekend. Parkin will also have to decide whether to stick with Lee Crooks at right back or recall young David Mulligan. Brian O'Callaghan however is still short of fitness after being out with a slight medial ligament strain.

The Town players will go early to bed tonight despite the fact it's New Year's Eve. "All of the lads will be tucked up in bed early tonight!" said Town 'keeper Danny Coyne. "Barnsley are a big strong side, they work and battle hard. I think they're in a false position in the league. It's going to be a very difficult game, but if we show the same determination we should do well. It's a derby, close by and old rivals. Not only that, but it's a big game for us. Barnsley are in a similar position in the league. We need to build on the result that we've had against Portsmouth and try and get out of the bottom three.".

Grimsby (from) Danny Coyne, Alan Neilson, Simon Ford, Paul Groves, Tony Gallimore, Ben Chapman, Danny Butterfield, Stacy Coldicott, Wayne Burnett, Chris Thompson, Phil Jevons, David Smith, Michael Jeffrey, Steve Croudson, Menno Willems, Michael Boulding

Barnsley (from) Kevin Miller, Lee Crooks, Chris Barker, Chris Morgan, Steve Chettle, Gary Jones, Chris Lumsdon, Darren Barnard, Kevin Donovan, Bruce Dyer, Mike Sheron, Gary Mcswegan, Alex Neill, Matthew Ghent (GK), David Mulligan, Lee Jones