Interesting. I get the impression he's yet to impress but he was a great battler for us so that surprised me. Actually was it Josh that was on a six month contract?
He had a tough few months at QPR. I’m going to guess Sunderland offered him the best contract (one we wouldn’t be able to match) so at that point you’re again doing what’s best for your family. Just like when he left Oakwell
Not only did Parkin bring in a load of dross but he released a load of young uns who'd had a few pints whilst.on tour. That situation would have been handled entirely differently by such as Danny Wilson. Amongst those released was Johnny Parkin who went on to score goals at every level including the Premier league. I've read The Beast's book and he was no saint but successive managers knew how to get the best from him so it's a shame Barnsley never did. Thanks for another brilliant interview by the way, it was good to hear Darren's honesty about certain managers and players.
I know I'm repeating myself, but I don't blame the players who came in and simply weren't good enough. We went down with a whimper but I don't think there was a lack of effort, just a demoralising reality they were way out of their depth. I'll never forget us signing Tony Bedeau. Transfer listed by Torquay United but signed by us to help with a Championship relegation fight. And Paul Gibbs must be the worst left back we've ever had? He played 33 games for us. Here's what happened after he left us: 'He was linked with Watford, Bradford City and Brentford. The latter of these he trained with during November 2003[8] and played for their reserves against Aldershot Town. He joined Gravesend & Northfleet later that month,[9] leaving in January 2004'
That made me laugh as well MN. I'd only been living in the area for three years and getting to know the local accent was a challenge. Never forget one incident circa 1990. I had a half days leave from work. At that time, I was selling scratch cards for the Club, so I popped over to Oakwell to drop the money and unsold tickets off for Gerry Whewall. Whilst there I decided to buy a club shirt and scarf for my son. Michael Spinks walked me round to the Store which was a brick outbuilding behind the West Stand. It was the time we had signed "the Phantom" Phil Gridelet from Southend. He had been interviewed by Radio Sheffield, who asked how they should pronounce his name. He told them it was pronounced " GRIDELEY". Michael said " it doesn't matter how he wants it pronouncing, odds on that round here he'll be called " GRIDLIT." He was spot on, that exactly what the Reds fans used to call him.
I did Ben thanks for that. He also joined us from Barnet not Southend. He apparently went to Rotherham after he left us, then went to Southend from there. His career appears to be blighted by injury, although he did have six years and 177 games at Roots Hall.
@Loko the Tyke - Just watched this on YouTube, couldn't catch it live yesterday evening. Flawless interview mate, you're in serious danger of being the only interviewer who could get an answer out of Johnson or Gove! Hooked from the first minute and so easy to listen to. I got to know Darren quite well, if only for a few weeks, back in late 2000, he and his wife (Michaela?) were at the same antenatal classes as my own wife and I, both expecting our first born. They were so down to earth and just puffed and panted like the rest of us, integrated without any heirs or graces. Also rode a bicycle from London to Paris in 2017 with a bloke who was, and still is, one of his closest friends. He made the connection from my accent. Lovely, lovely people. Hard to disagree with his summary of the impact of recruiting too many young and inexperienced players to replace those with high quality that left over a period of 12-18 months when he was with us, we all wish the outcome could have been different, but we're saying something similar 20 years later.