Barnes says end of an era..

[Buxtonclaret]

Clarets Legend.
He's scored a few huge goals, over the years.
I'll never get that one against Wigan out of my head though, after all those passes.
The sound eruption was immense.

[ClaretTony]

I had an article ready but wasn’t expecting it to come out tonight. I can’t get at it now so will publish it probably on Sunday.

For now, would just say what a fantastic signing he’s been and so fitting that he’s scored on this special night for our club.

[Wile E Coyote]

Ashley Barnes epitomised the perfect Burnley player for many clarets. he played the game we all wanted to see as fans.
he was totally committed, never shirked a challenge, and had a battling quality and honesty that just made you want to see him score.
He scored some genuinely top quality goals, he had some moments of perfection, timing his passes and movements with precision. Added to that he was a funny character, and said the right things when it mattered.
I know for a fact what a decent man he was. He will be greatly missed . All the best for you Ash, you deserve it.

[Den_Perry]

What a way to go out. Let’s be realistic, most of us thought he was done this season. Started slowly…but damn what a turnaround once he (I guess) got his fitness up to the right level and took these young lads under his wing (mini Barnes Tella especially). Absolute legend who should keep playing for a bit yet, just not in the Prem (VAR would not be kind)!!!

Deserves a statue, got a feeling he’ll be back at some point in a coaching role perhaps? Our shithouse Let’s give him the send off he deserves. Will score against the bastards again without a doubt

[Darnhill Claret]

I've always liked the guy and it's great that more and more fans are starting to appreciate his skills. His timing when he strikes a ball can be top level. It was more visible when he had a run of scoring but we are still seeing it in flashes this season as VK's way is allowing Ash to express himself differently in a game.

[lucs86]

He's a hero to me and if he wanted another year with us on the bench I think he could still be an asset.

[RickyBobby]

Barnes is a Burnley Legend. He owes us absolutely nothing and I am happy to say that.
He epitomises what Burnley is about. He knows exactly what this club means to us fans. He has always gave his all for us and I am sure he will continue to do so in the final few games. A true legend and his name will go down with the others over the years on that list.
All the best to him for the future!
You’ll always be a claret!

[Jakubclaret]

He's a hero to me and if he wanted another year with us on the bench I think he could still be an asset.

Waste of a wage he’d only be taking the spot off some up & coming youngster, he knows himself it’s run it’s course I don’t think he’d accept it anyway he probably wants to plough his own furrow away & do what’s best for himself than just staying somewhere for sentimental reasons.

[Den_Perry]

U OK hun?

[johnnyjones]

Waste of a wage he’d only be taking the spot off some up & coming youngster, he knows himself it’s run it’s course I don’t think he’d accept it anyway he probably wants to plough his own furrow away & do what’s best for himself than just staying somewhere for sentimental reasons.

FFS dude read the room

[Jakubclaret]

FFS dude read the room

It is what it is the same with mee when he left but life still goes on being realistic, you can look forward or look back, nothing should diminish or detract from that, when mee left I can remember all the drama/heartache people even openly expressing unfollowing him on twitter, but nothing really gets said anymore about him unless something happens in a Brentford game & he's involved.the same will happen again with Barnes. I'm looking forward to next season & I personally wish barnsey all the best as far as I'm concerned that's all there is to it.

[dermotdermot]

He’ll stay for another year. That’s what I understood from the interview. He wants to stay. It’s up to the club.

[ChristheViking]

Yeah have known about this for ages but couldn’t say.

[Oshkoshclaret]

I can confirm that ChristheViking has known about this for ages but couldn’t say.

[Garnerssoap]

Still gutted I was having wee at white hart lane when he scored that one.

[pushpinpussy]

Interestingly most on here thought he was done a few months ago and were giving him dogs abuse.

Luckily most Burnley fans don't take any notice of what the morons on here think.

[Healeywoodclaret]

..It’s time to move on.
From me and many more the biggest thank you for all you’ve done over the years.
The goals and the shithousery.

Absolute Legend Ashley Barnes... Go out on a High Ash that's the way to do.... And Thanks so much for being a Claret Legend!

[Healeywoodclaret]

Prem probably to much for him but could he join coaching team, is there anyone better to bring youngsters through

Agreed 100%.... It's clear the young players love him... I'd love to see him on the coaching staff... BFC Forever Our Ash.

[Healeywoodclaret]

The Wigan goal was my favourite. Proper team goal finished off expertly with a left foot side foot volley

Definitely his game this season against our friends down the road is a stand out for me. Showed his passion... Wore his colours with pride and did himself and his Club proud! Good Luck Ash!

[agreenwood]

Probably the right decision, but if you were now choosing between retaining Barnes or Jay for one more year, you might go for the former.

Barnes has been fantastic since November and has had a brilliant career with us. I think we’ve seen him in a different role to what has come before and with that has been a realisation that there’s been a better footballer in there than maybe I’ve given him credit for. His link up play this season has been exemplary at times.

Despite his age, I suspect he’ll have a lot of suitors in this division. Just hope he picks a good one where he can continue to thrive.

Thank you Ashley Barnes.

[jojomk1]

Thanks for everything - and there have been plenty of moments to remember
But there's no room for sentiment within the finances of running the club, especially at the elite level of next season
Given the tone and words from himself last night after the game I would not be surprised if he has not already sorted out a new club for next year

[CaptJohn]

Plus the fact fans put up the money to sign him.

I was one of them. Unbelievable how it's turned out and so proud I was able to do so. I'll never forget that beautiful volley against Wigan.

[FeedTheArf]

Genuinely took the shine off promotion last night for me.

I thought another 12 months would be the best solution for us all. Whether Barnes wants 2 years or whether we’ve made the decision to go for younger players we’ll probably never know. He did say that it was a club decision though.

At least he’s got a 7 game swan song to bow out with now.

[TheOriginalLongsider]

What about this one v West Brom

https://youtu.be/Iwa2Jz0kWJA

[TheOriginalLongsider]

https://youtu.be/Ob627fdYy30

[boatshed bill]

Genuinely took the shine off promotion last night for me.

Yes, I guess his emotions took over, but it was odd timing with 7 games still to play...and some really big ones.

[The Hung Juror]

Absolutely class act. He’s given me some great moments, no more so than West Ham away a couple of seasons ago.

The good thing is we’ll get to give him the send off he deserves in our last game at the Turf. I suggest we all stand on the 10th minute and give him a minutes applause.

Absolute legend.

[Father Jack]

I think he’s earned the right to announce it whenever he wanted. And knowing that he’s leaving made all the celebrations more special at the end. There’s a video doing the rounds on Twitter which shows him holding back the tears when the fans were singing his name & players pushing him forwards. He’ll get a 7 game send off now and bow out head held high. Not many players get that.

[wilks_bfc]

I think he’s earned the right to announce it whenever he wanted. And knowing that he’s leaving made all the celebrations more special at the end. There’s a video doing the rounds on Twitter which shows him holding back the tears when the fans were singing his name & players pushing him forwards. He’ll get a 7 game send off now and bow out head held high. Not many players get that.

https://twitter.com/turfcastpodcast/sta ... PXTYF2H2GA

[claretspice]

He's been a marvellous servant. I think he's our record Premier League goalscorer and my guess is he'll hold that record for all time - it's hard to see another forward achieving the sheer longevity at that level needed to surpass him.

I'm a bit surprised by this news. I don't think anyone expected him to be a regular starter next season but he's had a new lease of life this season, is clearly a huge influence on the squad - and he still has enough about him to be a viable plan B to try and nick a goal with 10-15 minutes to go, or indeed to manage out a tricky game to hold onto points. Those skills count double in the Premier League and we might yet regret letting them go.

But thanks for the memories Ash. You've done grand.

[Jellybean]

Surely it's not actually confirmed yet as he said a couple of times it's up to the club, What's to say they won't offer a contract between now and summer? I feel he's so important to our team, even if he's not playing as he seems to be this fun dad type figure to the younger ones, but also who is helping them develop their game, even if it is helping tella learn how to wind the opposition up!

Will surely be hard to find someone with experience who can head, lay off and hold the ball up as well as Barnes does when we're under pressure, as we will be against several teams next season.

[evensteadiereddie]

Interestingly most on here thought he was done a few months ago and were giving him dogs abuse.

Even more interestingly, there were many more knowledgeable fans on here who argued that Barnes was underperforming and unless he shaped up and played a different role, one that was actually useful to the side, he would have little part to play in this campaign.
How right we were.
It's as if we'd signed a new player

[RVclaret]

Surely it's not actually confirmed yet as he said a couple of times it's up to the club, What's to say they won't offer a contract between now and summer? I feel he's so important to our team, even if he's not playing as he seems to be this fun dad type figure to the younger ones, but also who is helping them develop their game, even if it is helping tella learn how to wind the opposition up!

Will surely be hard to find someone with experience who can head, lay off and hold the ball up as well as Barnes does when we're under pressure, as we will be against several teams next season.

Kompany basically confirmed he’s leaving

https://www.burnleyexpress.net/sport/fo ... es-4097204

As for his abilities being hard to replace, I’m not so sure… if we thought that then we wouldn’t let him go.

[ClaretLoup]

I have stated this a few times on various Ashley Barnes threads, but I make no apologies for stating it again, it will be a sad day when Barnes leaves our club. Throughout his time he has been the embodiment of a Burnley fan out there on the pitch.

His departure removes a thread that extends back almost to the beginning of this golden era.

[mikeS]

I've been lucky to see some great players at the Turf these past 50 years or so, players who have come and gone, shined for a moment and then left with few memories of them.
Ashley Barnes for me has been one of the most consistent grafters of the last decade and his thumping goals against Rovers this season will live long in the memory bank.
Knocking the ball and the keeper into the net and getting away with it was just priceless. A Claret Legend.

[Hipper]

Interestingly most on here thought he was done a few months ago and were giving him dogs abuse.

If true he fully deserved it. In the early days this season when he came on for or replaced JRod he was awful, continuing his form of the last, injury hit, two years (I think most of us were surprised, even disappointed, that the club took up the 12 month extension to his contract last season). But then he changed or was coached to change. Now he plays the role of Weghorst at United and does it well, the only thing missing, like with Weghorst, are the goals. His fitness levels look good as we saw last night but he seems to have lost that sharpness in front of goal, the deft header or crisp shot that we know he was capable of.

I can see why he won't be here next season - possibly Weghorst will could be one reason - but none of this detracts from his swansong this season - he's been top class since he changed his ways. Thanks Ashley.

[Jellybean]

Kompany basically confirmed he’s leaving

https://www.burnleyexpress.net/sport/fo ... es-4097204

As for his abilities being hard to replace, I’m not so sure… if we thought that then we wouldn’t let him go.

Thank you, I'd not seen this, gutted for him but no doubt there will be clubs lining up to sign him

[jrgbfc]

Plymouth could be a decent move for him if they get promoted. Think that's where he started out.

[SouthLondonexile]

I actually think this is a decision he has made himself.
It took me a little by surprise. He is now, alongside Leighton James, my favourite Burnley player of all time.
The goal he scored last night was fantastic.

[andyh]

There was a long running thread on the Brighton forum created when he came to us about how poor a signing he was. It was still getting new posts years later when he made them eat their words.

[burnleymik]

I honestly didn't think he would fit in with VK's style and this new team, but not only did he step up, he took it by the scruff of the neck and has had an excellent season. He made that striker role his own and deservedly so, even with all the new strikers and talent we now have. That's impressive. He took on a leadership role and made those around him better.

Thanks for everything Ash. Best of luck with whatever you choose next, I am sure all Burnley fans will be following with interest.

[tiger76]

If he soes leave which appears to be the case, then Ash will be the last member of our 15/16 Championship winning squad to depart.

For the pittance we forked out for him he's been an incredible servant, over 250 appearances, 50 goals, but it's not only his goals important as they naturally are, it's what he epitomises and his leadership qualities will be missed.

However as already stated we can't afford to retain both Barnes and Jay, and I wouldn't completely rule out Jay also moving on.

I'm just glad Ash has enjoyed this swansong in his final season, and he'll leave on a high note after a great Burnley career.

[Vincent'sCap]

FB_IMG_1680944134249.jpg (102.4 KiB) Viewed 2537 times

Thanks for everything here's a lasting image most Clarets will never forget

[tiger76]

He's been a marvellous servant. I think he's our record Premier League goalscorer and my guess is he'll hold that record for all time - it's hard to see another forward achieving the sheer longevity at that level needed to surpass him.

I'm a bit surprised by this news. I don't think anyone expected him to be a regular starter next season but he's had a new lease of life this season, is clearly a huge influence on the squad - and he still has enough about him to be a viable plan B to try and nick a goal with 10-15 minutes to go, or indeed to manage out a tricky game to hold onto points. Those skills count double in the Premier League and we might yet regret letting them go.

But thanks for the memories Ash. You've done grand.

Chris Wood is our record Premier League goal scorer just ahead of Ashley Barnes, both miles clear of the rest though.

Wood has 46
Barnes has 42
Vokes next with 17.

I do agree that it's unlikely either of the top 2 are remotely threatened anytime soon, if we do get a prolific PL scorer he'll likely be quickly snapped up by a bigger club such is the way of life for a club of our standing.

Could be that Ash isn't content to be an impact sub at this stage of his career, and you can't blame him for wanting to be a 1st choice somewhere else rather than be given a few minutes now and again if we're chasing a game late on.

[Vincent'sCap]

If the claret in the middle of this picture with the baseball cap hasn't got this in pride of place on his living room wall he should really think about getting it done.
Himself
A Claret Legend
The scene of a pasting for our biggest rivals
I wish it was me
Anyone know him he's a lucky man to be captured in time forevermore

FB_IMG_1680944134249.jpg (102.4 KiB) Viewed 2471 times

[Inchy]

This is likely as much his decision as VKs.

At 33 he will likely only get a year contract from us, probably on lesser terms given he won’t be a starter and he signed his last couple of contract at the height of his value.

If he moves to another Championship club he may well get a 2 or 3 year contract, and perhaps a nice signing on fee. He’s at the tail end of his career so needs to make as much money as he can. Long time retired and all that

[Hipper]

FB_IMG_1680944134249.jpgThanks for everything here's a lasting image most Clarets will never forget

The only thing missing from that pic is the ball in the net. Ashley puts in the ball then for good measure the goalkeeper. Just brilliant!

[Paul Waine]

Well done, Ashley Barnes. Thanks for an excellent final season with the Clarets.

Vincent Kompany did the same at the same age, stepped down from Man City and moved on to the next stage of his career.

Burnley are back in the Premier League next season. One of the reasons the Clarets were relegated last time is because players were held on to for too long. Burnley is a club were finances rule, as they do at most clubs. Players need to be sold to bring new players into the club. Similarly, wages for a player that cannot contribute regularly are wages that could be better spent on players that can contribute. It has always been thus.

Ashley Barnes playing like Pele has got to be one of the highlights of this season.

Good luck next season, Pele Barnes. I'm sure there will be lots of good Championship clubs wishing they had their own Ashley "Pele" Barnes.

UTC

[Steve-Harpers-perm]

His turnaround in form since the start of the season has been pretty sensational.

[ŽižkovClaret]

Wonder if he might join Westwood over in the US?