Barnsley supporters have acted with fury after the club today sold star left back Scott Golbourne to League One Wolves.
The 25 year old signed from Exeter in the summer of 2012 and earned some rave reviews last season before suffering a serious knee injury that ruled him out for the rest of the campaign and the Reds incredible fight for survival.
Despite missing the run-in the former Bristol City trainee declared himself delighted with the successful escape from relegation and was quoted as saying: “"I didn't want to be playing in League One next season because I fought hard to get out of there to the Championship."
But that is now exactly what Golbourne will be doing and it leaves The Reds incredibly short at the back with Lewin Nyatanga and Martin Cranie still out injured.
Reds boss David Flitcroft told the club’s official website:
“We’ve known about the bid for about two weeks now, Wolves wanted to do the business and came in for Scott.
"Initially he didn’t want to leave, he didn’t want to go and play League One football because he’s worked desperately hard to get himself to the Championship and then last season stay in the Championship.
"So, initially, the talks were that he wanted to stay and then whatever happens, whether he’s been got at or whatever, Scott’s decided he wants to leave the football club and the club, rightly so, have decided that the price is good and we’ll accept the bid.
“He wants to go and play for Wolves, that’s the bottom line. It doesn’t matter how you try and keep a player if his heart’s not in it and his head’s not in it. You’re pushing water up a hill. I feel the last two week his head and heart’s not been with us, but before that his commitment to the club’s been impeccable.
“He’s one of the most professional players we’ve had the pleasure of dealing with. He goes with our blessing, I just wish the last two games he’d have produced the football I know he’s capable of.”
Meanwhile speaking of defenders, Tranmere Rovers have cancelled the contract of former Reds centre half Stephen Foster after just two months.
Foster, 32, made 226 appearances for Barnsley during six years at Oakwell before being released this summer. He promply signed for Tranmere, but just two months into a two year deal and after five appearances in which the Birkenhead outfit shipped 13 goals, the two parties have decided to part.
Rovers manager Ronnie Moore said:
"After discussing things with Stephen it was agreed that it was in the best interests of both parties if we part company.
"It leaves us short in an important position but I hope to bring in a replacement as soon as possible."