AFC Barnsley

Club Pen Pics

Stuart Ford: Stuart was one of the major new signings this season, and is a very vocal goalkeeper, and boasts experience at Rotherham Utd, Scarborough, Bury, Doncaster Rovers, Ilkeston, and Hednesford Town. He is a tall imposing figure, and brings great stability to the defence. Stuart was born in Sheffield and started his career at Rotherham. He made 5 League appearances for the Millmoor team, before moving to Scarborough. After 22 League appearances for the Yorkshire club he had a short spell at Bury before joining Doncaster Rovers. He then returned to Scarborough but soon ventured into non-League football with Gresley Rovers. After a highly successful five-year spell at the Moat Ground he moved to Hednesford Town, who were then in the Conference.

George Jones: Transferred from local rivals Wombwell Main last season, George is a talented goalkeeper whose confidence is growing with every game. Safe hands and agility have enabled him to turn in some impressive performances, which greatly enhance the confidence of the team as a whole.

Adam Nixon: Signed from Maltby Main, Adam is a defender or midfielder who has also played for Buxton and Worksop after having trials with Rotherham United. He is an extremely active and effervescent competitor who always makes an important contribution to the team effort.

Ben Moore: A product of Leeds United Academy, Ben took time off from football to complete his academic studies at University. A tall imposing left back, he reads the game with ease and has the ability and will eventually play at a much higher standard of football. Voted Most Improved Player of 2003/04 season.

Darren Utley: Darren was signed at the start of the current campaign and casts an imposing figure in the centre-back role. Darren was a professional with Doncaster Rovers, making 26 League appearances between 1995 and 1998 before coming out of the full-time game. He had spells with Emley, Stocksbridge Park Steels, Sheffield and the sadly now defunct Denaby United before signing for Northern Counties East side Brodsworth Welfare in the summer of 2002. With this in mind, he brings a wealth if experience. He also possesses and excellent touch, and quickly turns defence into attack, with surging runs.

Paul Allen: Paul is a defender who joined us from Maltby, during the 2003-04 season. He has also played for Buxton, Worksop Town and Staveley. He is a former trialist with Rotherham United and is a valued and versatile member of the squad who can play in goal if required.

Mark Hancock: Mark has a wealth of experience and has been brought in to elevate the team into the highest echelons of semi-professional football. With 14 years experience of Unibond League standard football as player/manager at Frickley and Bradford Park Avenue, Mark is a perfectionist in both capacities, and never gives or expects less than 110% from himself and his players. He's an inspirational, tireless leader who will realise the expectations of the club whatever it takes.

Terry Taylor: Stints at Worsbrough Bridge and Brodsworth in the Northern Counties East League have given Terry a wealth of experience as a central, ball wining midfielder. Signed at the beginning of last season, he still retains the passion, bottle and commitment for which he has always been noted and is often the catalyst for our best performances.

Dean Sidebottom: Dean signed during the 2003/04 season. He made an immediate impact with his mazy runs, and isn't easily dispossessed. He is also a prolific dead-ball specialist, which greatly enhances the team. He isn't afraid of the physical side of the game, and more than holds his own against bigger opposition.

John Senior: John was signed during last season from Sheffield FC; John has also played for Worsbrough Bridge and Brodsworth in the Northern Counties East League. He is a skillful, industrious central midfielder who covers every inch of the pitch and will always be found where the action is and where the ball needs to be won.

Lee "Vinny" Dawson: Lee was recruited at the beginning of the 2003/04 season from South Kirkby Colliery and has proved to be a tremendous acquisition. Playing wide on either flank, his blistering pace and consummate skill on the ball have provided a great deal of scoring opportunities both for himself and his team mates. Lee was ever-present in 2003/04 and was voted Managers Player Of The Year 2003/04.

Ryan Till: Another talented young player, and definitely one for the future. Ryan is a product of Barnsley's academy and he was considered good enough to be offered a one-year contract. He possesses a lightning pace, has excellent ball control, and he gives his all for 90mins. Ryan has all the skills and ability required to progress to the highest levels of football.

Gavin Bassinder: Gavin was signed before this season, and lists Barnsley FC and Mansfield Town FC on his CV. Add to that Farsley Celtic, and Gainsborough Trinity, and he is another major signing. He has a tremendous turn of pace, and isn't afraid of running at defenders. He has quick feet and always makes space for himself and his teammates. All at AFC Barnsley have no doubt he will prove to be an excellent acquisition, and look forward to him leading the attacking line.

Callum Pile: Callum is another exciting prospect that we at AFC Barnsley, want for our future plans. He was involved at the start of last season, but lost his place in the squad as more experienced players were brought in. He was loaned out to Askern Welfare, and he has returned as a better player. He has quick feet, a great touch, and a keen eye for goal.

Adam Pollock: Adam was signed before this campaign and has made an immediate impact. On his debut, his relentless running cause defenders many problems, and he even managed to get on the score sheet. He slotted into his role very well, and already looks an excellent acquisition.

Lulzim Raxhuelaj: Lulzim has already made AFC Barnsley history in becoming our first overseas player. Lulzim comes from Albania, and had adapted well to the English game. He gives his all, and has put in some sterling performances, and contributed with some vital goals. He possesses a neat touch in and around the box, and holds the ball well. He also has the skill to leave defenders in his wake, and create chances for himself, and his teammates.