NEILL COLLINS has revealed that any plans to enter the free agent market have been put on hold.
The Barnsley chief picks from a strong hand ahead of Saturday’s home game with Burton Albion, with Conor McCarthy and Josh Benson both back in the fray.
Recent acquisitions Sam Cosgrove, Owen Dodgson and Jamie McCart are fighting for league debuts, while vital midfielder Callum Styles remains at the club with his £2million release clause not activated by any suitors ahead of the transfer deadline.
Collins is now in a position of relative strength coming into the main autumn schedule.
On Styles, he said: “He’s a huge asset. He’s clearly a talented player who can fulfil different roles in midfield and at wing-back.
“Callum has played in almost every game since I took over.”
“Callum is a very fit young man who trains well and is a pleasure to work with.” He’s a skilled player, and I’m glad to have him.
“My job is to get the most out of him, and Callum has told me that he wants to improve and push himself.” It’s encouraging to hear, and I hope I can make it happen.”
He dismissed talk of free agency moves, saying, “No, not at the moment.” We are focusing on the players we have in the building, and training has been quite competitive, as you might expect, with fresh faces and individuals vying for a spot on the team.
“Right now, we’re pretty happy with what we’ve got, but we’ll keep an eye on it.”
The only source of concern is Luca Connell, who has been absent from 2023-24 owing to sickness.
Collins continued, “I am concerned for Luca as a Barnsley player and as a person, and I just want him to get healthy, return, and be around.” But all of this takes time.”