Angus MacDonald has become the first player to commit his future to the club after penning a new two-year deal at Oakwell.
The 24 year old came from non-league Torquay United in the summer but has become a key fixture in the centre of the Reds defence in the Championship as he was thrust in for his debut following Alfie Mawson’s move to Swansea at the end of August.
Since then MacDonald has made 33 appearances for Barnsley –however he is believed to be the first Barnsley player to score three own goals in the same campaign!
MacDonald has penned a new two year deal to take him to the end of the 2018-2019 season and Reds head coach Paul Heckingbottom told the club’s official website:
“When Angus first joined the Club last summer he was challenged to prove that he has what it takes to make the step up and play regularly in the Championship. He has certainly done that and he is now demonstrating week in, week out that he belongs at this level. Angus has worked exceptionally hard to cement his place in the team and his performances have played a big role in our success this season.
"I’m delighted that he’s committed himself to this Football Club; it’s a huge boost as we continue to put plans in place for the future. Angus is a fantastic person to have at the Club, both for his football and personal qualities. You only have to look at the way he has got involved with the community and his charity work to see that he’s a great role model to have at the Club and someone who has a strong connection with our fans. I now look forward to working with Angus and developing his game further over the coming years.”
Many Barnsley supporters will hope MacDonald is the first of many to commit as key players such as Josh Scowen and Marley Watkins see their current deals expire this summer.
Meanwhile at Oakwell another promising young prospect has been sent out on loan to gain experience with Jack Cowgill joining AFC Fylde for the rest of the season. Cowgill,20, came through the academy at Oakwell, making his debut at the club in a 3-1 defeat at Walsall in December 2014. He has made one further appearance, in a 1-1 draw with Peterborough in April 2015 and had a short loan spell at Braintree earlier this season.
Cowgill is the second Reds youngster to join National League North side Fylde, following midfielder Josh Kay and the south coast club currently top their league, nine points clear of second place.
Finally a strong Barnsley under 23 side secured a 1-0 win over their Charlton Athletic counterparts yesterday courtesy of a Ryan Hedges strike. Due to the international break, Paul Harsley was able to name a strong side with nine of the 11 starters having first team experience (combined 78 appearances)