CONOR Hourihane is ‘very very pleased’ with Barnsley’s summer transfer window and, although he wanted another forward, is now working on solutions from within his squad rather than the free agent market.
The Reds made eight new signings and did not sell any of their first team stars, despite several bids, while moving on a series of players not in Hourihane’s plans. They wanted to bring in at least one extra forward for depth but were unable to do so, leaving David McGoldrick and Davis Keillor-Dunn as the only the only senior strikers at the club.
Hourihane told the Chronicle: “I am very fortunate with the players we have.
“Everyone seems to think we needed a number nine. I just thought we needed an extra forward player – whether that was a winger, number ten or number nine. I just wanted another body in the forward positions.
“I wasn’t specifically saying number nine. We’re very fortunate to have Davo and Didzy (McGoldrick).”
He added: “There is no getting away from the fact that we tried to get one more attacking player in but it wasn’t to be. It would have been perfect but how many times do you get a perfect window? I am not sure because it’s only my first one.
“There are a lot of managers saying they would have liked this or that.”
Hourihane said he is planning for solutions if there are injuries to forward players, highlighting Neil Farrugia and Jon Russell – neither of whom have started a league game this season – as two who could play a bigger role.
He also said teenage striker Leo Farrell would have opportunties in cup games to push for his league debut.
He said: “Coming up with other scenarios is important with the squad we’ve got. Neil has been a big plus. He’s going to play plenty of minutes. He’s looking strong and fit and very capable at this level.
“Jon Russell did very well for me last year, scored another goal for Jamaica and he’s scored in the cup for us.
“I’ve been really thinking about where he can fit in. He can play in a couple of positions. It’s about making the most of what we’ve got in the building.”
Barnsley can still bring in free agents under the league rules.
Hourihane told the Chronicle: “In terms of the free agent market, nothing has really come up in terms of a body that I think ‘oh, he’d be interesting.’
“It’s been very quiet from that point of view.
“Until something comes up that would take me and my coaching staff’s fancy, we’re happy with what we’ve got.”
None of Adam Phillips, Luca Connell and Davis Keillor-Dunn were sold.
“If I am brutally honest, there wasn’t a huge amount of bids to turn down.
“It wasn’t me begging the owners to keep players. There were a couple of bids but nothing anywhere near valuation. Fortunately no one came in with serious numbers but I wasn’t on my hands and knees. The numbers offered, particularly early on in summer, weren’t anywhere near.”
Jake Rooney can play at either right-back or centre-back, increasing Barnsley’s defensive options. Their centre-backs recently have been Josh Earl and Jack Shepherd with Mael de Gevigney as back-up while Marc Roberts is injured until probably October.
“We’re just happy to have the depth there. In midfield we’ve been very fortunate with the numbers we’ve got and it’s brought the best out of all the players. They can’t rest on their laurels. People are training very very well.
“It’s the same with the defence now.
“You have Josh, Shep, Roons, Mael, Robbo, when he comes back, and Tennai (Watson). We’re very fortunate.
“I am hoping it will bring out the best in every single person in training because, if you come off it that little bit, there are people knocking on the door ready to play.”
