SCOTT Flinders has always thought of Barnsley as ‘home’ despite leaving the club as a player 19 years ago, and now wants to help bring through another homegrown goalkeeper as a coach.
Flinders came through the Reds academy and made 19 first team appearances before being sold to Crystal Palace in 2006.
He returned this summer as goalkeeper coach, having been working part-time in the Reds academy for the previous three seasons while a player at Mansfield Town.
Since Flinders, the likes of Jack Walton have come through the academy to play first team football while Kieren Flavell and Rogan Ravenhill are now young professionals, alongside senior stoppers Jackson Smith and Murphy Cooper.
Flinders told the Chronicle: “That’s why I have gone into coaching, to develop goalkeepers.
“I have seen all the different levels in the pyramid.
“I have worked at the club from under eights all the way through.
“Hopefully, over the next couple of years, we can develop one of our own – that’s the target.
“I made my debut at 18. I was around the first team under Gudjon (Thordarson) in 2003 when I was about 16.
“The experience I have had, hopefully I can pass onto the boys whether that’s Murphy, Jackson or Rogan and Flavs.”
Flinders met new head coach Conor Hourihane while they were both coaching part-time at Oakwell.
“I always wanted to get into first team coaching. The club is home for me, I was at the club from 11 years old.
“Con was doing the 16s while I was doing the goalies down there.
“We kept in contact.
“I could have stayed at Mansfield as a player but this was a great opportunity.
“When I got the call from Conor to see if I was interested, I jumped at the chance.
“I am grateful to Conor and the club for giving me the chance to start my full-time coaching career.
“I am really pleased and happy with how it’s gone so far.”
Flinders has known fellow first team coach Tom Harban for almost three decades after starting out in the Reds youth system.
“Me and Tom have known each other since under 11s or under 12s.
“We’re a really tight-knit group which I think is what Conor wanted.
“The work and detail Conor wants is the way I go about my work anyway.
“Everyone is on the same page and hopefully, going forward, we can develop as a club now.”
Barnsley lost 3-1 in a friendly on Tuesday at Buxton with a very young team.
Flavell impressed before being replaced by Ravenhill who saved a penalty.
“It was a test, especially with such a young team who haven’t worked together.
“There are positives to take out of it and other stuff to take out it.
“That’s what pre-season is for.
“I am delighted for the goalkeepers.
“Kieren played 60 and was solid with a couple of good saves.
“Rogan has been out for seven months. We’re delighted to see him back on the pitch.”
