Barnsley manager Keith Hill has said that he is already looking forward to the next season. Barnsley finished the regular season of the Championship in the 21st position – just a few points ahead of the relegation zone. Barnsley could have been relegated from the Championship this season had it not been for the points deduction for Portsmouth. Portsmouth were deducted 10 points, which ultimately helped Barnsley save their Championship status for one more season. As a result of this close escape, Keith Hill has said that he cannot wait for the next season to start. Barnsley are expected to make significant changes to the playing squad in the summer in order to be more competitive.
Barnsley’s final match of the season saw them draw against Brighton. The 0-0 draw between the two clubs characterised the entire season for Barnsley according to manager Keith Hill. He said that there was an end of the season feeling to the game. Brighton had a number of chances in the match, but the excellent goalkeeping by Barnsley’s David Button meant that they had to be satisfied with a point. Despite a promising start to the Championship season, Brighton managed only a 10th place finish in the Championship season.
“As a manager, the job continues throughout the summer. There’s no real time off. When you consider the calibre of the team coming up and the ones staying in the division, it’s getting increasingly difficult for clubs like Barnsley in the Championship. They’re basically creating a Premier League two and it’s a shame for Barnsley because it’s an honest club. I’m potentially looking to make four or five permanent signings,” Keith Hill said after the match. Portsmouth finished eight points behind Barnsley in the table, and they would have overtaken them had it not been for the points deduction.