Reds Make Triple Deadline Day Swoop

Last updated : 01 September 2015 By Alastair Limb (tykesmad)

Barnsley have had an active transfer deadline day, bringing in two new players and turning one of their current loans into a permanent deal.

First to sign this afternoon was Gloucester City striker Harry White. The 20-year-old joins on a two-year deal and will go straight into the Reds' development squad, overseen by Paul Heckingbottom.

Reds boss Lee Johnson spoke about White: 

"We are pleased to welcome Harry on board. He is a player with good potential and I'm looking forward to keeping an eye on his progress under Paul Heckingbottom within our development squad.
 
"This is a fantastic place for young players like Harry as there is a genuine pathway into the first team."
 
The next signing was that of loan goalkeeper Nick Townsend, who has made his move permanent from Birmingham City. The 20-year-old stopper has signed a three-year deal. 
 
He has made one appearance for the Reds so far, in the Capital One Cup at Scunthorpe, and after impressing in that game has earnt a permanent deal. He told www.barnsleyfc.co.uk:
 
"I'm delighted to get the deal done,"
 
"Since day one I've really enjoyed training and everything about being here. All the lads made me feel welcome and it's just the right idea to join permanently.
 
"There's great competition between me and Adam and we'll be fighting it out which will make both of us better."

And the third deal concluded on deadline day was the signing of Swindon Town striker Michael Smith.
 
The 24-year-old Geordie has joined on loan until January, with a fee agreed between the two clubs to make the deal permanent when that time comes.
 
He joined Swindon in 2013 from Charlton and has gone on to score 21 goals in 64 appearances at the County Ground.
 
Smith bagged 18 goals on the way to last season's play-off final with the Robins and adds to the Reds current threadbare looking strike force. Johnson spoke after finally getting his man:
 
"I'm really pleased to get this one over the line. Michael will not only bring a great presence to our forward line but he also adds goals, too.
 
"He has all the attributes to complement what we already have here. I have tracked Michael through the window and I am pleased to have secured his services on loan initially. I'm looking forward to working with him."