Manager: Owen Coyle
Odds to win: 40-1
2007-2008:
Position: 13th W:16 D:14 L:16 F:60 A:67 Points: 62
Top Scorer: Andy Gray (11)
FA Cup: Third Round
League Cup: Third Round
Yellows: 79 Reds: 8
Results against Reds:
20/10/07 Barnsley 1-1 Burnley. 29/3/08 Burnley 2-1 Barnsley.
2008-2009:
Name:
Tony Scholes (www.clarets-mad.co.uk)
Club: Burnley
Level of Interest: Season ticket holder and go to as many games as possible
How has pre-season gone for you?
It has been a very busy pre-season with nine games in four different countries. We started in America and then went to Scotland before playing three games at home which were wrapped around one game in Northern Ireland. It has gone well, seven of them have been won with only the first one lost, and we've had an incredible fourteen different players find the net. That's given us a lot of confidence to take into the opening game just down the road from you at Hillsborough.
Are you pleased with the signings your club has made?
There are six of them to date and I wouldn't say any of them had disappointed in pre-season. Remco van der Schaaf, a Dutch midfielder, looks a real find whilst Chris Eagles should be a quality signing. But all six have played their part so far and will throughout the season.
What realistically are you aiming for this season?
We have to aim for a top six finish, that in itself gives you a chance to go up. I'm not saying anything lower will be a disaster but you have to aim to go up to the next level and I do think we have a chance.
Which player has past his sell by date?
I wouldn't say any of our players are past their sell by date. Graham Alexander is the oldest member of the squad and perhaps past his best but he's certainly still more than capable of holding his own in the Championship.
Have you got the right manager in charge?
He's new to the job, only arrived in November and he's just started bringing his own players in. He wants to play attacking football and he's certainly got some real talent now in terms of creative football. I don't believe clubs should change manager too often so, as was the case with the previous two, I hope Owen Coyle is given the time he needs at Burnley.
What advice would you give him?
Don't take us to St. Johnstone for a friendly again - the treatment of away fans there is appalling.
Who do you see as your key player?
It could be either Eagles or van der Schaaf or last season's player of the year Wade Elliott. But as always I think Robbie Blake will be pulling the strings. I wouldn't swap him for any other player in the Championship.
Who would you most like to beat this season?
Preston (because they are our closest rivals), Blackpool (because they are a tin pot outfit) and Watford (because I have no time for Boothroyd). Having said that, wins against anyone will be welcomed.
Where will you finish?
I'll go for sixth, then a Wembley win next May.
How do you rate Barnsley's chances next season and where do you think they will finish?
Sorry, but I think you might just be in for a long struggle this coming season. Then again, what do I know?