Barnsley FC Weekly Round-Up: Winless Streak, Transfer Concerns & Must-Win Derby

Another week, another round of frustration at Oakwell. Barnsley’s winless streak stretched to five games, leaving fans questioning the club’s ambition and the direction of the season. With a play-off push seemingly fading, concerns over the squad’s quality—and the owners' willingness to invest—are growing louder.

Throw in some underwhelming transfer business, and it’s fair to say that patience among the Reds faithful is wearing thin. Here’s a look at all the latest talking points.

Clarke Takes Responsibility After Stockport Defeat

???? Source: Yorkshire Post

Barnsley’s winless run extended to five games after a 2-1 defeat to Stockport County in League One, and fans are running out of patience. The Reds once again looked sluggish, defensively vulnerable, and lacked a clear attacking plan—worrying signs for a team that should be pushing for a play-off spot.

To his credit, Darrell Clarke didn’t try to spin the result. He took full responsibility, admitting his side didn’t do enough to get a result. But while honesty is appreciated, it doesn’t change the reality—Barnsley are in a slump, and if Clarke doesn’t turn things around quickly, their season could drift into irrelevance.

With crucial games ahead, Barnsley need a reaction, and fast.

Jack Shepherd Impressing at Bradford City—Should He Have Returned?

???? Source: MSN Sport

Barnsley’s defensive struggles have been a growing concern, and one player who could have helped is Jack Shepherd—except he’s still at Bradford City. The young defender has been earning praise for his performances in League Two, with Bantams boss Graham Alexander delighted to have secured his services beyond January.

There was speculation that Shepherd could return to Oakwell during the transfer window, but Barnsley opted to let him stay at Valley Parade. With the Reds’ backline looking increasingly fragile, some fans are now questioning whether that was the right call. Was it a missed opportunity, or does Clarke genuinely believe the current defensive options are stronger?

Either way, with Barnsley struggling for form, it’s another decision that has added to fans’ frustrations.

Question Marks Over Jonathan Lewis and Clément Rodrigues Signings

???? Source: Yorkshire Post

Barnsley brought in USA international Jonathan Lewis this week, but his signing hasn’t exactly sparked wild excitement. Statistically, he has experience—206 matches, 34 goals, and 15 assists—but with 179 of those appearances coming in MLS, there’s uncertainty about how he’ll cope with the physical demands of League One.

Can Lewis hit the ground running, or will this be another case of a January signing taking too long to make an impact? Right now, the Reds can’t afford the latter.

Then there’s Clément Rodrigues, who arrived on loan from SC Bastia in Ligue 2. The French forward has played 17 games this season, scoring just three goals—not exactly the goal return of a player expected to fire Barnsley into the play-offs. While Ligue 2 is a physical league, Rodrigues still has a lot to prove, and adapting quickly to English football is no easy task.

With the squad in desperate need of proven quality, the lack of significant investment in game-changing players is a major talking point—and not in a good way.

Play-Off Hopes Hanging by a Thread

???? Source: Yorkshire Post

A few weeks ago, a top-six finish seemed like a realistic goal. Now? It’s looking increasingly unlikely unless something changes—fast.

Clarke admitted this week that the “clock is ticking” on Barnsley’s play-off push. The problem is, the performances on the pitch aren’t reflecting that urgency. A run of five games without a win has left the Reds in a precarious position, and with other teams in the mix strengthening their squads, Barnsley’s lack of transfer ambition could come back to haunt them.

The next few games are crucial. Keep slipping up, and the play-offs will become a distant dream.

Huddersfield Derby: Do or Die?

???? Source: Barnsley Chronicle

If there’s ever a time for Barnsley to turn things around, it’s this weekend. Clarke has called the upcoming Huddersfield clash “really massive”, and he’s not wrong.

A win could lift spirits, restore confidence, and keep play-off hopes alive. A loss? It could push fan frustrations to boiling point.

Huddersfield aren’t invincible, but they are well-organised and have found a rhythm. Barnsley, on the other hand, look disjointed and short on ideas. Something needs to change, and fast. If Clarke and his squad don’t deliver, the mood at Oakwell could turn sour very quickly.

Rainbow Ball Initiative: A Rare Positive in a Tough Week

???? Source: Barnsley Chronicle

While things on the pitch may not be inspiring much confidence, off the field, Barnsley continue to do the right things. The club has backed the Rainbow Ball initiative, supporting inclusivity in football and making the game a more welcoming place for all.

Nick Cox, Sport and Leisure Liaison Officer at Barnsley LGBTQ+ Forum, has spoken about how important this initiative is in shaping a more inclusive football culture. In a week where frustration dominates the headlines, it’s refreshing to see Barnsley taking a stand for something positive.

Final Whistle

A five-game winless run, questionable transfer business, and growing frustration among fans—Barnsley’s season is hanging in the balance. Clarke has acknowledged the problems, but words mean little without action.

The Huddersfield derby now feels like a defining moment. Win, and the belief in a play-off push might just return. Lose, and it could signal the beginning of a long, frustrating end to the season.

For the fans, the message to the club is clear: show some ambition, prove that you’re serious about promotion, and give us something to believe in again.

????⚪ Up the Reds!