Barnsley boss Mark Robins has rubbished rumours linking him with a move for Stoke City’s ex Sheffield United striker James Beattie. The 32 year old who bagged 34 goals in 62 games for the Blades is looking to move away from the Britannia Stadium after a bust up with Stoke boss Tony Pulis. A few media outlets including SKY Sports News and the Daily Mirror claimed he could make the move to Oakwell, but Robins laughed off these claims when talking to the Star:
"That one's really come out of the blue! I'm always interested in quality players, but that one's pure speculation. I've not tried to get him. I don't mind being linked with players, it comes with the territory, but I don't think we could afford him. I've got a lot of players to get in, but I'm happy with the way things are going at the moment.
"The fans have got to be patient and so have we; it's a very quiet time at the moment."
Meanwhile ex Reds boss Simon Davey is set to extend his Barnsley contingent at Darlington to three. Having already acquired Dominik Werling, who had a loan spell at Oakwell in 2007, the Welshman is now set to capture O’Neil Thompson and Michael Coulson as he attempts to get the Quakers back into the Football League.
Thompson, who was signed for Barnsley by Davey last summer, is set for a season long loan deal at the Northern Echo Arena, whilst Coulson, released by The Reds this summer is set to move on a free transfer. The 22 year old Coulson was set for a permanent move to Grimsby (who were relegated alongside Darlington) after a successful loan spell at Blundell Park last season where he netted five times in 28 games. But it appears Davey is about to gazump the Mariners.