Barnsley make final decision regarding emergency goalkeeper move ahead of Cambridge United clash
03/20/2025 06:43 AM
Barnsley interim boss Conor Hourihane has said Kieren Flavell will start in goal this weekend.
Barnsley have decided not to bring in an emergency goalkeeper in the end. They are back in action on Saturday at home to Cambridge United.
Flavell, 21, is now in line to make his full debut against the U’s. He came off the bench last time out against Mansfield Town.
In this latest update, caretaker manager Hourihane has said, as per a report by the Barnsley Chronicle: “Flav did really well at Mansfield. He’s come up through the academy. I really like him as a ‘keeper and lad. He has my full backing. Everyone needs an opportunity. At the start of the season, he was fifth or sixth choice. The fans are behind him.
“The club has a history of backing youth playefs. I am a big believer in giving people opportunities. It’s been a strange situation all season with goalkeepers.”
Barnsley goalkeeper latest
Barnsley have opted not to bring in anyone new and will show faith in Flavell.
They have been left short of options between the sticks following injuries to Joe Gauci and Jackson Smith.
The Yorkshire outfit are currently sat in 10th place in the League One table with nine fixtures left to play this season. They are nine points off the play-offs after their recent downturn in form and face a battle to get into the top six now.
Barnsley reached the play-offs last year but were beaten at the semi-finals stage by Bolton Wanderers over two legs in the end.
Darrell Clarke was brought in as their manager last summer following his spell at Cheltenham Town.
He has recently been sacked though and replaced by Hourihane for the time being.
The Tykes have lost their last three matches in a row against Charlton Athletic, Blackpool and Mansfield Town and could do with getting back to winning ways as soon as possible.
After being appointed last week, Hourihane told the club website: “Really disappointing for Darrell. Obviously, it’s never nice when someone loses their job. I want to thank him personally for the opportunity he gave me to come back to the Club.”
What now for Barnsley?
Flavell has a great opportunity now to show what he can do.
He has risen up through Barnsley’s academy ranks and has been loaned out away from Oakwell to Bradford Park Avenue, Mickleover Sports and Farsley Celtic in the past to get experience.
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The post Barnsley make final decision regarding emergency goalkeeper move ahead of Cambridge United clash appeared first on The72 - Football League News.
