Barnsley’s senior servant Bobby Hassell has told The Star that Keith Hill needs to sign at least two more strikers to give the Reds more strength-in-depth up-front.

Normally quite media-shy, Hassell recently expressed an interest in taking over the vacant captain’s role at Oakwell and his opinions on the strength of the current squad are certainly the type of things a potential captain needs to be able to analyse.

The Reds currently have three strikers who are expected to be battling for two positions up-front next season – Andy Gray, Danny Haynes and Craig Davies.

“Craig Davies is jumping up two divisions so he’s probably going to need time to find his feet, as will the other new players. But I definitely think we need to strengthen up front – and I’m sure the manager’s looking at doing that,” Hassell said.

Kelvin Etuhu’s proposed transfer to Barnsley is on-hold pending further investigation of his medical results.  Etuhu has played most of his career as a winger, he can apparently play in a strikers role as well – although his scoring record at first-team level isn’t particularly encouraging!

Pre-season again means the annual speculation regarding a possible move for Rotherham’s Adam Le Fondre, Keith Hill hasn’t ruled him out but suggested he has other targets.  Marlon Harewood is still looking for another club and seems to be a popular choice with fans although there are no signs that Hill has considered him as an option – Harewood himself appears to be open to joining the Reds permanently.  It is perhaps a little surprising that no other clubs have come in for him.

There were suggestions, mainly from some media outlets as opposed to the club, that Daniel Bogdanovic could make a return to Barnsley however he is now looking set to take a leading role in Sheffield United’s bid to return to the Championship following the departure of several players from Brammall Lane.

Related articles

• Hassell wants the armband (barnsleyfc.com)
• A quiet week expected at Oakwell (barnsleyfc.com)
• Barnsley linked with Kelvin Etuhu (barnsleyfc.com)
• Daniel Bogdanovic to return to the Championship, but not with Barnsley (barnsleyfc.com)
• Danny Haynes wanted by Blackpool (barnsleyfc.com)