Barnsley Academy graduate Rhys Oates has secured himself a move to League Two side Hartlepool United.
Reds manager Lee Johnson released the 20 year old this summer after 14 years at Oakwell. It came as a surprise to many Barnsley supporters after Oates featured in nine games in 2015 and inspired the Reds to beat Rochdale 5-0 on the final day of the season.
Now the striker will team up with another product of Barnsley’s Academy, Scott Flinders.
The now 28-year-old goalkeeper started at Oakwell in 2003 and made 19 appearances for the club before sealing a £1m move to Crystal Palace in 2006. He moved to Victoria Park in 2009.
Meanwhile Barnsley have moved to quell rumours they are interested in signing centre half Shaun Pearson.
The 26 year old has made 160 appearances for Conference outfit Grimsby Town since arriving in 2011 but has refused to sign a new contract at Blundell Park and several media outlets have claimed he could become Lee Johnson’s second defensive recruit from non league football following the arrival of Marc Roberts from Halifax.
But after speaking to Barnsley today, BBC Radio Sheffield have confirmed there is no truth in the stories.