League One Barnsley have started off the season in great form. Despite their defeat last time out at the hands of AFC Wimbledon they sit in sixth with 10 points from five games.Â
The club have been reasonably busy in Conor Hourihane’s first summer window in charge. Bringing in the likes of Tennai Watson, David McGoldrick and Patrick Kelly amongst others.
However, with the window approaching its end, the new boss is not willing to sign players based on talent alone.
He has admitted that he has rejected several opportunities on the transfer market as he seeks players with the right character for his side.
Conor Hourihane Rejects Barnsley Transfer Targets
In quotes provided by The Yorkshire Post, the Barnsley boss discussed how the options were not a good fit.
“Without a doubt. It’s also important (to say), with the names handed around over the last two or three weeks since we’ve signed Tennai (Watson), they just haven’t fitted in our way and style or had a couple of bad references or whatever that may look like. I’ll always be: ‘No, onto the next one.’
“I am really picky and focused on getting the right people and players in to fit into our way and culture and we’ll hopefully get in those couple of bodies that we all know we need from Monday, from our point of view.”
Has the Manager Been Backed?
He goes on to discuss where the final say for signings lie;
“I have got to say that the club have been brilliant. All the players that have come through the door are the ones that I wanted.
“Would I have liked a couple more by now? Yes, but I am very fortunate with the squad that I have and hopefully come Monday, everyone is in a really good place – the manager, club and board – and we’ve all got what we’ve wanted, in terms of the squad moving forward to the next few months.”
It is safe to say that Hourihane clearly feels like he has the support and backing of the club this window. The number of transfers, and the trust shown in him to say no to players must be a confidence boost for the new manager.
Barnsley’s Ambitions for the League One Season
Player signings are always a lottery, no matter how good they were prior, there is always a chance they do not fit in at their current club.
Hourihane has been in a somewhat unique situation of being a player very recently in that Barnsley dressing room. He will know more than anyone what a bad apple can do to a squad. The character side of a player is often overlooked for their technical ability. If you look at a side such as Manchester United, who have had issues with player power. It has often destroyed managers and squad moral.
Barnsley have started the season well in what is a competitive and open League One promotion race. Hourihane will have ambitions of pushing his side to the Championship next season. If he can keep hold of his stars this summer transfer window.Â