Former Manchester United director Maurice Watkins has vowed to work hard to progress Barnsley up the Championship table after being appointed as the club’s new chairman.
Watkins who is also chairman of British Swimming and a non-executive director of Rugby Football League will take over the reigns at Oakwell next week, taking the place vacated by Gordon Shepherd at the end of the 2007-2008 season.
The solicitor by trade was a director at Old Trafford for 28 years from 1984 to 2012 and was largely credited with identifying Sir Alex Ferguson to become United’s manager in 1986.
Watkins told SKY Sports:
"It's great to be back in football at club level and my message is loud and clear - Barnsley means business," Watkins said of his new appointment.
"The Championship is a hard league with many great clubs and when you think a club was relegated last season with 54 points, that sums up the quality.
"Our task now is to make progress in the league, strengthen our position and get even more fans behind the club. I can bring a wealth of football knowledge and experience having been involved with the game at the highest level with Manchester United for over 28 years."