Ashley Barnes

Silkyskills1 · Post by **Silkyskills1** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 12:18 am

Saw him throwing himself around early season at home to Blackpool and not too long after that being withdrawn at Sunderland when we were 2-0 down. Thought that might have been one of, if not his last, games for us. Again shows how little I know. He bounced back against our 'neighbours' of course but since then he has continued to improve as a player playing in a position that Jay Rodriguez was holding down. His ball control, passing and awareness are testimony to the coaching staff but also his sheer determination to improve as a player despite his 33 years of age.
I'm not advocating that his contract should be extended; he's had his time in the Premier league but he has to be an example to any player in the twilight of their career that improvement is still very much possible. Well done Ashley Barnes, something I never envisaged saying leaving The Stadium of Light in Octo ber.

Vincent'sCap · Post by **Vincent'sCap** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 12:27 am

He's brilliant now that Vincent has learned him how to stand up...well done Vincent

Burnleyareback2 · Post by **Burnleyareback2** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 12:30 am

I’d be happy to crowd fund statues for Barnes & Mr Kilby.

I’d also be happy to give Barnes a contract until he retires, I’ve said it before, there is always a role for a player like him in every game, might be last 20mins to protect a win or the last 20mins to make one. Priceless player.

IanMcL · Post by **IanMcL** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 12:33 am

He was Pele Barnes again tonight!

Spraying passes, holding up, directing operations.

Superb.

Funkydrummer · Post by **Funkydrummer** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 12:39 am

taught !!!!

DCWat · Post by **DCWat** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 12:43 am

A true leader, so obviously on, and by many accounts, off the pitch as well.

He’s definitely adapted well, dropping most of the frustrating traits that he had, yet still retaining the willingness to scrap and make things difficult for defenders.

The last few months he’s really flourished, showing a side of his game that I’m not even convinced he knew he had. It’s a shame he’s not much younger, I’d have loved to see how he might have developed given a prolonged period in a footballing side.

I’m surprising myself in saying it - I’d actually give him another year, if he wanted it and was accepting of being much more of a bit part.

I’m surmising that he is looked up to in the dressing room and his value off the pitch alone might be worth another twelve months.

KRBFC · Post by **KRBFC** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 12:52 am

Should retire here, finish his coaching badges whilst here. Has a role to play next season, even if he's not scoring goals as much as he'd probably like he's affecting games more than ever before and allowing others to flourish around him.

Goobs · Post by **Goobs** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 1:16 am

Easily worth another year next year in this form. Playing like Sheringham did in his latter years. Absolutely class at bringing others into the game.

blatherwickstattoos · Post by **blatherwickstattoos** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 1:35 am

He really has stopped looking for fouls . It’s absolutely brilliant to see that a player can change later on in their career. I’m cleaning my boots off now … joking aside he’s a leader and I hope we can keep him another year at least as he seems leaner, fitter and he’s really enjoying that deep 9 role. Also he always gives credit to other forwards on his social media and you can tell he just wants the new lads to succeed . What a guy.

RVclaret · Post by **RVclaret** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 6:34 am

I saw his interview, I think before the Wigan game, where he commented on how much he’s learned from Kompany. He particularly referenced how to be more of a leader in the group and I think we’ve seen that on / off the pitch.

Technically he’s really grasped the role too, giving us a focal point in attacks. There was an occasion last night, though, where his awful first touch in the box stopped us having a great early chance - surely we need better in the PL where chances are much rarer?

VK has a decision to make re. contract because both him and Jay surely can’t be on the books next season at their age, with our new model and the fact we will be in the much more difficult PL. Whatever happens he’s a club legend and I can’t wait to see him lift the trophy when it comes.

Luppy · Post by **Luppy** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 6:45 am

Outstanding again last night - like a new signing since Rovers game.

Clive 1960 · Post by **Clive 1960** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 6:56 am

Ashley as done great since rover's game but with the strikers we have I can't see him being offered another contract not unless jay goes but he as another year , but if Vinny want's him for another year who am I to argue.

Lancasterclaret · Post by **Lancasterclaret** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 7:29 am

Luppy wrote: ↑
Thu Mar 16, 2023 6:45 am
Outstanding again last night - like a new signing since Rovers game.

This

His work rate, movement and laying off the ball, plus he's kept the good bits of his old game, and seemingly ditched the bad bits

I don't know how much longer he can keep this up, but lets enjoy it while we can

ClaretSam92 · Post by **ClaretSam92** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 7:53 am

If we ignore the sensational performance from Tella, he was my man of the match by a country mile last night.

He won the ball back from their defenders on a number of occasions and the lay offs and flicks going forward were sublime. Tella and Barnes really complement each other, it's wonderful to see after watching an unhappy looking Barnes for the last couple of seasons.

Long may it continue.

Spike · Post by **Spike** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 8:05 am

A true Burnley legend is our Ashley

jedi_master · Post by **jedi_master** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 8:07 am

Said it before and I’ll say it again - he deserves a new contract. That is not out of sentimentality, he suits the way we play perfectly now and whilst there is no doubt he wouldn’t be starting every week in the Premier League, I’d find a place for him on a 9 man bench every week. He can help us close games out and you can see how much the squad and staff think of him.

Jakubs Tash · Post by **Jakubs Tash** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 8:56 am

Has been exceptional since the Rovers game! Such a big player and character around this young team. And it’s great to see with such a cult hero amongst the fans!

I’m not as convinced he’ll get another contract. I think Kompany is a very single-minded and business-like manager. There is no room for sentiment with him. And he may well see it that an extended contract would be Barnes taking up a crucial spot in a 25 man squad that could/should be going to a younger player with more ability who can make more of an impact. As good as Barnes is around the group and for morale (and he clearly is), I’m not sure it’s enough for a new contract in Kompany’s eyes.

AlargeClaret · Post by **AlargeClaret** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 9:09 am

VK has used the old guard well, and in the absence of Jay ( not sure he’ll play again for us ?) Barnes has done a decent workmanlike holding job against fairly poor champ opposition surrounded by quality quick players , tella/Maatsen/AZ/etc .
As a vastly experienced prem player I’d expect nothing less . That said surely he does the honourable thing at the end of this season .

Boss Hogg · Post by **Boss Hogg** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 9:30 am

Been good for us but won’t be anywhere near good enough for the Premier League. For all his good attributes and recent form his first touch in the box isn’t great and he’s no goal threat.

TsarBomba · Post by **TsarBomba** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 9:31 am

Yep, I too am happy to hold my hand up.

He’s been integral this season.

Keeping hold of our PL experience for next season will be key.

summitclaret · Post by **summitclaret** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 9:38 am

The Burnley Sheringham.

AfloatinClaret · Post by **AfloatinClaret** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 9:49 am

TsarBomba wrote: ↑
Thu Mar 16, 2023 9:31 am
...Keeping hold of our PL experience for next season will be key.

But almost all of the PL experienced players we kept hold of weren't good enough last time we were there and while AB does look to have improved, he was perhaps the one who most needed to; remember that he's only here because we couldn't get rid of him.
Ahead of the current season, there were few optimists on this board (I certainly wasn't) and we we've all been pleasantly surprised; while well ahead of next season the majority are already getting excited; I fear the surprise will not be so pleasant. AB/JayRod certainly and perhaps not even jack Cork have a place in any EPL side that's staying up, their success this season is down to that 'PL experience' but that won't be enough to offset their ageing legs when we go back there.

Stan Tastic · Post by **Stan Tastic** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 10:07 am

He's scored 4 goals in 30 appearances in the league this season. That's in a team that creates plenty of chances. I'm sure VK can find a younger striker that does everything he does and scores a few goals. You can't afford to carry a player in the PL for sentimental reasons. He'll be nowhere near good enough at that level.

FeedTheArf · Post by **FeedTheArf** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 11:09 am

If you look at some of the goals he's scored for us in years gone by (West Brom away, to name one!) he's always had the more technical aspects of the game in his locker. Whether it was how he was coached, how Dyche wanted to set up or just a lack of confidence he seemed to fall into his 'Bashley' persona and always looked for fouls to get us up the pitch. At the end of last season and even at the start of this season it was embarrassing at times to watch him throwing himself on the floor. He's so much better than that and I'm thrilled he's showing it.

Yes he could have scored more, but as (ironically!) with Weghorst at United, just watch him. He brings others into play and creates space for Tella / Zaroury to run into.

And he's still got just a sprinkling of 'Bashley' about him, as the Rovers keeper knows only too well!

Bosscat · Post by **Bosscat** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 11:20 am

FeedTheArf wrote: ↑
Thu Mar 16, 2023 11:09 am
If you look at some of the goals he's scored for us in years gone by (West Brom away, to name one!) he's always had the more technical aspects of the game in his locker. Whether it was how he was coached, how Dyche wanted to set up or just a lack of confidence he seemed to fall into his 'Bashley' persona and always looked for fouls to get us up the pitch. At the end of last season and even at the start of this season it was embarrassing at times to watch him throwing himself on the floor. He's so much better than that and I'm thrilled he's showing it.

Yes he could have scored more, but as (ironically!) with Weghorst at United, just watch him. He brings others into play and creates space for Tella / Zaroury to run into.

And he's still got just a sprinkling of 'Bashley' about him, as the Rovers keeper knows only too well!

Hope he never loses that bit of "Bashley" its what makes him so valuable to us

warksclaret · Post by **warksclaret** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 11:32 am

I was his biggest critic last season and in the early part of this one. However with Rodriguez out and Foster/Obefami yet to settle in fully, he has played a huge part since Christmas. THe biggest compliment to him last night, was that VK kept him on until the end, despite two other forwards coming on from the bench. He seems to be getting better in each game, and at the moment with Brownhill injured, and Cork slightly down the pecking order, he has become the "glue" in the team. Never thought I would say this. I hope he starts Saturday as he could give their backs a hard time

warksclaret · Post by **warksclaret** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 11:33 am

I was his biggest critic last season and in the early part of this one. However with Rodriguez out and Foster/Obefami yet to settle in fully, he has played a huge part since Christmas. THe biggest compliment to him last night, was that VK kept him on until the end, despite two other forwards coming on from the bench. He seems to be getting better in each game, and at the moment with Brownhill injured, and Cork slightly down the pecking order, he has become the "glue" in the team. Never thought I would say this. I hope he starts Saturday as he could give their backs a hard time

Vincent'sCap · Post by **Vincent'sCap** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 11:34 am

People wanting to keep Barnes please no,we are going back to the Premier league we need better than him
Thanks for everything but time to go at the end of the season.

Vincent'sCap · Post by **Vincent'sCap** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 11:35 am

summitclaret wrote: ↑
Thu Mar 16, 2023 9:38 am
The Burnley Sheringham.

That is absolutely bar none the funniest thing I've ever read on this forum

GodIsADeeJay81 · Post by **GodIsADeeJay81** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 11:41 am

This should be his last season for us, he's 33, 34 this year.
That place in the squad can, and should, be filled by a younger player next season in the PL

Been a fantastic servant for 10yrs, especially considering he only cost about £400k...

Claretforever · Post by **Claretforever** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 11:47 am

Barnes has been phenomenal since just before the World Cup. The fact this is his last season will mean we have great memories of him following a couple of very average seasons, and he also scored 2 (for now) against the B*****ds.

I would not give him another contract though considering we’re going up. There is no room for sentiment where the Premier League is concerned and I'm sure his wages will pay for two younger players who will have resale value.

Could he move into a coaching role or will he want another 1-2 years of high level football?

Lancasterclaret · Post by **Lancasterclaret** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 11:50 am

FeedTheArf wrote: ↑
Thu Mar 16, 2023 11:09 am
If you look at some of the goals he's scored for us in years gone by (West Brom away, to name one!) he's always had the more technical aspects of the game in his locker. Whether it was how he was coached, how Dyche wanted to set up or just a lack of confidence he seemed to fall into his 'Bashley' persona and always looked for fouls to get us up the pitch. At the end of last season and even at the start of this season it was embarrassing at times to watch him throwing himself on the floor. He's so much better than that and I'm thrilled he's showing it.

Yes he could have scored more, but as (ironically!) with Weghorst at United, just watch him. He brings others into play and creates space for Tella / Zaroury to run into.

And he's still got just a sprinkling of 'Bashley' about him, as the Rovers keeper knows only too well!

Good argument as well here for not dispensing with Weghorst if he comes back

Paul Waine · Post by **Paul Waine** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 11:53 am

We should give Ashley Barnes a new contract. He's playing well. I'd expect that to continue. When his time comes there's a team in Liverpool that may want to sign him whichever league they are playing in.

Elizabeth · Post by **Elizabeth** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 11:56 am

Along with many I see Barnes as the most improved player of the season.

Now is the time for him to bow out of a wonderful career with us and with his fitness looking good I think he's definitely worth a 2 year contract at another progressive club either in the Championship or League 1

Stayingup · Post by **Stayingup** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 11:57 am

He's settled in now to the way thos team plays and has shown more skill than we ever thought he had. Hes playing more facng the goal than with his back to it. He's also good to have around when it gets a bit rough because he can rough with anyone, and he's good with the young players we have.

Hipper · Post by **Hipper** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 4:14 pm

I always thought he had the skill - many of his goals were top quality. I wonder if he regrets those years wasted on the old Barnes.

Unless he's something special off the pitch I cannot see a place for Barnes (or any of the ex PL players we have bar Brownhill and Roberts - even JBG although he may be worth a go). He will be rewarded with a free transfer so he can get a good deal somewhere - our friends down the road could use him!

basil6345789 · Post by **basil6345789** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 4:17 pm

Another 12 months then player/coach

Carwin261 · Post by **Carwin261** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 6:43 pm

Brilliant 1st touch to lay off the ball for Maatsen who then crossed it for Tella to score.

BurnleyPaul · Post by **BurnleyPaul** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 8:02 pm

The only way I’d re-sign Barnes is on the basis that he is to play solely for the U23s as an overage player and help bring them on. This being a hybrid first step on his coaching career.

There’s plenty of other teams who do this type of thing and it’s probably the next step forward for some of our older players as they come to the end of their current contracts.

If this isn’t an option for Barnes, or the club, then I’m sorry but his time has come; we can’t afford to be sentimental and we can’t kick cans down the road anymore. (Not that I think this board and management team will do that)

CrosspoolClarets · Post by **CrosspoolClarets** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 9:02 pm

There are a couple of indisputable facts:

1. Barnes is 157th on the list of all time Premier League goalscorers. Jay is 147th. That is proven nous and know how along with goalscoring ability at that level.
2. Our new players have no record at that level.

So to dispense with Barnes and Jay Rod, or keeping just one who may be injured for half a season, that’s a big risk. What if the others don’t cut it? We see it happen with so many young players who tear it up at the level below.

Pace and energy they have stats for, so if his legs are going they will know. Other than this I think he is vital. At worst it is £1m-£2m down.

Caveat by saying if Weghurst returns we can probably lose one of them.