Barnsley’s decision to create a friendly with a Mansfield XI for Bobby Hassell’s testimonial has been met with derision by a selection of Reds fans who feel the former defender has not been granted the match his ten years of service deserves.
The now 34 year old made 270 appearances for Barnsley between 2004 and 2014 helping the club win promotion to the Championship in 2006 and reach the FA Cup Semi-Finals, dispatching of Liverpool and Chelsea along the way in 2008.
However the club have today confirmed that Hassell’s testimonial match will see him captain a selection of the club’s CURRENT first team players, 12 of which were not even at the club during Hassell’s time at Oakwell, to face a Mansfield XI- Mansfield are the only other English side Hassell has played for, making 164 appearances for the Minstermen between 1997 and 2004.
The match will take place at Oakwell on Saturday 18th July with a 3pm kick-off.