Donno Battles On

By: Tony Hamilton
Date: 06/10/2002

WITH Barnsley FC going into administration last week, the knock-on effects have started to bite at the club. Former Mariner Kevin Donovan has revealed in an interview with the Grimsby Telegraph the problems he faces with the struggling South Yorkshire outfit.

Donovan left Blundell Park last summer chasing the Premiership dream with Barnsley but ended up being relegated with the Mariners surviving by one point. But in March he sustained a serious knee injury just before Barnsley were relegated.

Donovan being one of the top earners along with ex-Mariners Tony Ford (assistant manager) and Dave Moore (physio) also face an anxious wait whilst the club's finances are sorted out. The Halifax-born winger had his knee operated on in the summer and is hoping that a buyer is found for the Oakwell outfit in time for his comeback.

"It's been a nightmare for me, and it just got worse," said Donovan.

"I had high hopes when I came here but it hasn't turned out how I hoped. These things happen and you have to get on with it.

"I've got three years left on my contract and I'm hoping it will turn around sooner rather than later.

"I'd be lying if I said the team spirit was brilliant at the moment but maybe this was what we needed to get people closer together.

"I can't say it's a complete surprise because of the ITV Digital thing. But I'm desperate to get back involved and get fit."

"The ITV Digital thing and relegation hit them hard. Teams like Wolves can get away with it but not Barnsley.

"Myself and Steve Chettle left and came here and I thought that was it, they'd be all right.

"I had five years at Barnsley and you don't do that if you're not enjoying it. It's a great little club and I've got a lot of friends there.

"They've got the players to get out of trouble and back in the first division, it's just a case of them producing the goods."

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