Ashley Barnes

[Poulton-le-Claret]

The people who are negative about this transfer need to direct their annoyance at Pace, rather than slagging Barnes off, who has been a great servant for the club. Obviously resigning Barnes isn't going to transform us into a goal scoring machine, but it is good to have him back, another experienced leader in the dressing room who gets the club. A very low risk transfer for us.

Questions need to be asked of Pace if we aren't strengthening the squad on the pitch though, as I doubt Barnes will get loads of minutes.

[dvalley69]

It's like the Ian Wright signing back in the day to give us a boost for promotion before he retires, but this time it's ASHLEY BARNES BARNES BARNES

[Superjohnnyfrancis]

Our other strikers have literally done nothing this season so Ash coming back lifts the place and for literally no money in the grand scheme of things.

If we had him in the prem under Kompany maybe we wouldnt have meekly rolled over every game and at least gone down fighting.

Any no Flemming isnt a striker hes an attacking midfielder before the clever ones spout up.

[RalphCoatesComb]

"Shithousery"

Word of the year for 2025 and it's only 3rd January

[RalphCoatesComb]

I will admit that I've had my issues about Ash in the past, when he was fouling for nothing and throwing himself around with his Jesus on the Cross pose, but he is the kind of player that we need right now. Go Ash Go !

[boatshed bill]

I don’t think Harry Kane would score many for us playing in our system however I noticed against Stoke that Trafford was hitting head high balls to Flemming when he came on ,we all know what Ashley’s like at winning free kicks further up the field and I think he will give us an option instead of permanently playing a dozen passes sideways and backwards in our own half,and if he scores 4 goals until the end of the season it’ll be one more than all the others apart from Brownhill.

Free kicks that will end up in the stands?

[AfloatinClaret]

...Ash coming back lifts the place and for literally no money in the grand scheme of things.

That.
Ash the Bash is not going to be any detriment to things and he might just provide that spark we appear to be short of.

[RalphCoatesComb]

And, if it doesn't work on the pitch, he can always drive the team minibus

Sorry Ash

[jrgbfc]

The people who are negative about this transfer need to direct their annoyance at Pace, rather than slagging Barnes off, who has been a great servant for the club. Obviously resigning Barnes isn't going to transform us into a goal scoring machine, but it is good to have him back, another experienced leader in the dressing room who gets the club. A very low risk transfer for us.

Questions need to be asked of Pace if we aren't strengthening the squad on the pitch though, as I doubt Barnes will get loads of minutes.

Don't think anybody is slagging Barnes off. Surely people are allowed to appreciate his past efforts, but still think he's not really what we need right now?

[forzagranata]

Just because we have signed Barnes doesn't stop us bringing in another striker.

It's a squad game - he's a good option from the bench for the last 20. As Woody was saying on the Bee Hole podcast - as well as maybe helping us get a late goal he is also a master of seeing games out from a winning position.

If we can also bring in a younger forward, even on loan, then we are in a much stronger position for the second half of the season.

[warksclaret]

We seem to be like a home pigeon retreat centre with our older players. WE had JBG who was on the same flight as Pace then within weeks was re-signing for us after his departure in May. Jack Cork was released then comes back as a coach and assistant to Farrell. Jay must have the best agent in football having managed to secure 3 more years when probably we should have let him go when relegated (up for debate). Then Barnes joins re joins us a season and a half after being released

[Quicknick]

I remember Chris Wood saying that Barnes was the best striker he had ever played with. I realise he's three or four years older now, but he still could play a crucial role coming off the bench.

[Claret]

Absolutely brilliant news!
Aye, aye, Ashley, Ashley Barnes.

[Stonehouse]

Free kicks that will end up in the stands?

Not if we let Flemming take them.

[Stonehouse]

I remember Chris Wood saying that Barnes was the best striker he had ever played with. I realise he's three or four years older now, but he still could play a crucial role coming off the bench.

Another bit of muscle when we’re defending corners

[CaptJohn]

I have to hold my hand up and admit that I'm one of a few Clarets who all those years ago put their hands in their pockets and helped the club buy Ash from Brighton. I was very sad when he left as it was the end of an era for me and it seemed that a part of me left with him. It feels nice to have him back

[what now !]

Barnes coming back is a good move from a PR perspective, gets the fans on side as a hero returns ( well a good chunk of them) , winds that lot up down the road wondering if he will torment them again, and just referencing what was said about Barnes in the documentary he was a big part of the dressing room, i wonder if its his talents in that department that has promoted his re signing. good move if you ask me and if he can get to 300 appearance and get a few more goals on his tally that will be another positive.

[Bigbopper]

Rovers fans forum in meltdown over this signing. Ash really does live rent free in their heads

[forzagranata]

I like the return of Barnes - but when people talk about his impact on the dressing room it has to be said that there a lot of the players now at the club who have never played with him.

[what now !]

I like the return of Barnes - but when people talk about his impact on the dressing room it has to be said that there a lot of the players now at the club who have never played with him.

yes, you are right, probably half the dressing room at least, but he is club legend and those that have played with him will have told the lads that haven't what he's all about , plus they will see the fans reaction as well, which in the main has been positive and he may get one or two of them to give an extra 5 % if he does, that can only be good

[Targetman]

Just because we have signed Barnes doesn't stop us bringing in another striker.

It's a squad game - he's a good option from the bench for the last 20. As Woody was saying on the Bee Hole podcast - as well as maybe helping us get a late goal he is also a master of seeing games out from a winning position.

If we can also bring in a younger forward, even on loan, then we are in a much stronger position for the second half of the season.

Newcastleclaret has been telling us all week that we wont be signing 1 striker never mind 2!!

[gandhisflipflop]

Rovers fans forum in meltdown over this signing. Ash really does live rent free in their heads

Just read their ‘dingles’ thread. To say they are delusional is an understatement. They pluck a random figure of 200m from somewhere to bash us for spending money. Aside from it being incorrect, it’s money we have generated ourselves and not from some rich benefactor like they have any room to talk about clubs spending money!

They then go on to lament refereeing decisions, while conveniently forgetting that they cheated to win their last game with us as well as several decisions that have previously gone their way.

They were very bitter a few months ago, I hope that bitterness increases.

[Row x]

I like the return of Barnes - but when people talk about his impact on the dressing room it has to be said that there a lot of the players now at the club who have never played with him.

And some who will be dropped to allow his return, not sure how good that is for team spirit

[Jakubclaret]

I like the return of Barnes - but when people talk about his impact on the dressing room it has to be said that there a lot of the players now at the club who have never played with him.

It wouldn't surprise me if some haven't even exchanged 1 word with him. That will surely change no doubt.

[daveisaclaret]

I like the return of Barnes - but when people talk about his impact on the dressing room it has to be said that there a lot of the players now at the club who have never played with him.

When people talk about his impact on the dressing room it is because of his character, not because the players are going to be happy to hear we have signed him

[Jakubclaret]

When people talk about his impact on the dressing room it is because of his character, not because the players are going to be happy to hear we have signed him

But in reality it's presumed it will be 1 big happy family with some complete strangers. There's no reason why people shouldn't get along.

[boatshed bill]

Not if we let Flemming take them.

One Swallow.....

[boatshed bill]

But in reality it's presumed it will be 1 big happy family with some complete strangers. There's no reason why people shouldn't get along.

Surely by way of your perverse logic there's no reason why they should all get on either

[Jakubclaret]

Surely by way of your perverse logic there's no reason why they should all get on either

I'm negative if I say that but you are right 100%

[jojomk1]

When people talk about his impact on the dressing room it is because of his character, not because the players are going to be happy to hear we have signed him

With Jay, Jack and Ash now around the club we will walk this division

[fidelcastro]

With Jay, Jack and Ash now around the club we will walk this division

What an arrogant statement.

[Hedontplayforyou]

And some who will be dropped to allow his return, not sure how good that is for team spirit

I’d be amazed if it wasn’t Hountondji who made way on the bench for him, given that he’s played very little and clearly isn’t trusted yet. So not much to report with that either

[agreenwood]

Love Barnes being built up as some sort of dressing room self-help guru - here to have a word with Tresor, Koleosho et al.

If an UTC poster can prescribe the required advice, I’m not sure why Cork, Jay, Cullen, Brownhill, Parker, Jackson or any of the backroom haven’t yet managed to dispense it.

[exilecanada]

I haven't read all six pages of this thread so this may have been mentioned already. Ashley may have been brought back in order to take Magic Mike to one side and explain what an honour it is to play for Burnley Football Club and to get his ar*e in gear and pull his weight

Welcome back Bashley, most certainly one of my all time favourite Clarets, the epitome of a player who gives his all EVERY time out

[bumba]

Love Barnes being built up as some sort of dressing room self-help guru - here to have a word with Tresor, Koleosho et al.

If an UTC poster can prescribe the required advice, I’m not sure why Cork, Jay, Cullen, Brownhill, Parker, Jackson or any of the backroom haven’t yet managed to dispense it.

Not sure anyone has been serious about it with Tresor he's clearly going regardless. As for Koleosho some of the new players won't speak up, others might just blow his trumpet, some might be too shy or not care enough to give advice, Barnes gives the impression he'd have his arm around Koleosho and try make him smile and be happy, a happy player is a confident player.
There was an instance Wednesday when Koleosho had the whole half to run in too and could have caused panic but he cut inside again, nobody said a word I looked at Roberts a few times when Koleosho made a mistake and was clearly struggling and he put his head down or looked away in fact the only player that spoke to Koleosho that could see how much he was struggling was Anthony he ran across the pitch at one point and put his arm on Koleosho and said something.
Barnes would have had a word to try and get him going and to get a spark out of him.
Koleosho Wednesday needed support at times he was clearly struggling with his confidence but nobody really stepped up

[dsr]

I personally didn't want Ash to leave in the first place but bringing him back is weird. It could be a stroke of genius designed to give the club and fans a much needed lift at the midpoint of the season. Hopefully if he plays we'll have either Flemming or Foster play off him in a 442, otherwise on his own he'll struggle to make an impact. Just don't expect miracles.

We don't need miracles. We just need enough to turn 0-0 draws into 1-0 wins, and if (like for the last 10 minutes against Stoke) the side can be persuaded to do a bit of "up and at 'em", Barnes is the man to put in the mix.

Hopefully!

[Stonehouse]

Not sure anyone has been serious about it with Tresor he's clearly going regardless. As for Koleosho some of the new players won't speak up, others might just blow his trumpet, some might be too shy or not care enough to give advice, Barnes gives the impression he'd have his arm around Koleosho and try make him smile and be happy, a happy player is a confident player.
There was an instance Wednesday when Koleosho had the whole half to run in too and could have caused panic but he cut inside again, nobody said a word I looked at Roberts a few times when Koleosho made a mistake and was clearly struggling and he put his head down or looked away in fact the only player that spoke to Koleosho that could see how much he was struggling was Anthony he ran across the pitch at one point and put his arm on Koleosho and said something.
Barnes would have had a word to try and get him going and to get a spark out of him.
Koleosho Wednesday needed support at times he was clearly struggling with his confidence but nobody really stepped up

It’s as though the attacking players aren’t being coached and are told just to go out and do there own thing .

[Vegas Claret]

https://x.com/kelvinstuttard/status/1644446657273303048

[mkmel]

Any links to Ashley Barnes interviews please guys

[cockneyclaret]

Rovers fans forum in meltdown over this signing. Ash really does live rent free in their heads

Loved this comment..

"im`e laughing about barnes,it`s a desperate signing,his legs have gone,he`s not played much for norwich , is not match fit and he certainly is`nt a parker type player,if the smug one is expecting him to run on to through balls and link up play he`s a bigger **** than i thought he was,only one use for barnes and thats the long ball dyche approach"

[Commy]

Any links to Ashley Barnes interviews please guys

Looks like they are making us wait.

[equinox]

For context:

If Leeds had signed Barnes, I'd have laughed at them.

[Commy]

Any links to Ashley Barnes interviews please guys

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7U0zLu9DNow

They are making us wait until 9 am.

[dougcollins]

Loved this comment..

"im`e laughing about barnes,it`s a desperate signing,his legs have gone,he`s not played much for norwich , is not match fit and he certainly is`nt a parker type player,if the smug one is expecting him to run on to through balls and link up play he`s a bigger **** than i thought he was,only one use for barnes and thats the long ball dyche approach"

English not his first language I take it?

[CoolClaret]

English not his first language I take it?

Neighhhhhhh, I believe!

[dougcollins]

Loved this comment..

"im`e laughing about barnes,it`s a desperate signing,his legs have gone,he`s not played much for norwich , is not match fit and he certainly is`nt a parker type player,if the smug one is expecting him to run on to through balls and link up play he`s a bigger **** than i thought he was,only one use for barnes and thats the long ball dyche approach"

English not his first language I take it?

[jos]

Great news, Ash can do nothing but benefit moral and the team.

[jojomk1]

Any comments from Parker re Barnes

[Nonayforever]

We are getting promoted.
Barnes will make sure the younger players don't bottle it in the last 10 mins of each game come April & May.
He has what it takes to get promoted & will be instrumental in transferring that knowledge to the fledglings.

[boatshed bill]

We are getting promoted.
Barnes will make sure the younger players don't bottle it in the last 10 mins of each game come April & May.
He has what it takes to get promoted & will be instrumental in transferring that knowledge to the fledglings.

I hadn't realised that the younger players had been "bottling it" in any games this season.