Barnsley captain Jacob Butterfield has hit back at a section of supporters who booed when he was named Man of the Match in the 3-1 home defeat to Blackpool on Boxing Day.
A section of the club’s supporters have become disgruntled with Butterfield’s reluctance to sign a new contract that has been offered to him.
The 21 year old whose current deal expires in the summer but who would still command a fee because of his age resorted, like many professional footballers these days, to Twitter to hit back at the Oakwell faithful as he posted: Wonder if the boos I got when I got MOM is due to me not signing the new contract yet or some people knowing nothing about football. Thanks to 99% of BFC fans however! We appreciate your support.”
He later told the Sheffield Star:
“Football fans support their team and, unfortunately, some of them can’t see past that.
“But in the football world it doesn’t work like that. I don’t know what I’m going to do yet, so I don’t deserve the stick that I’ve been given.
“I just love playing football and I’ll always try my best when I pull on the Barnsley shirt.
"I owe it to the club, the players and the fans. I’ll never let the Barnsley fans down for as long as I’m here, I’ll always try my best.”
There’s been so much speculation it’s crazy really,”
“It can be a distraction but it’s just important I focus on my football and then make a decision in January.
“My future is uncertain but this is the biggest decision of my career so I’m not going to be rushed.
“I’m still in talks with the club about a new deal, so we’ll have to see what happens.”
Another Reds midfielder whose future could be decided next month is Nathan Doyle. The 24 year old was sent on loan to League One Preston North End in November and has impressed in the six appearances he has made at Deepdale, ending up on the losing side just once. According to sources close to the former Hull City man, he wants his long term future decided once the transfer window reopens but is yet undecided whether he wishes to remain at Preston as they are yet to appoint a new manager following the sacking of Doyle’s ex Hull boss Phil Brown. Brown was fired by former Leeds and Barnsley chairman Peter Ridsdale just 18 days after Doyle’s arrival.