ARTICLE: New Turf Moor contract for Barnes

[ecc]

Ben is now crucial. Negotiations must be ongoing and I'm optimistic he'll commit to us. I would hate to see him leave.

[BennyD]

I’m pretty sure Ben will commit; having seen SD, Ash and Tarks sign new contracts recently, he will know there is something good going on at Burnley and I’m just as sure he’ll want to be a part of it.

[BroadIslandClaret]

Fulfilling his potential. He will have suitors galore. Let`s face it, he`s too good for Burnley. I could see him playing in a Top 7 Premier League team.

[Hipper]

Surely we always knew there was something about Barnes - his part in the Wigan goal showed that - but we probably didn't think he would be any more then a reserve striker in the Premier League.

This season though, and particularly recently he has raised his game and consistency and looks every bit a Premier League striker of the modern era.

This is a credit to him but also to the backroom staff.

If we can't bring good players through the youth set up then the next best thing is to improve players that come to the club. This is another satisfactory part of being a Burnley fan at the moment.

[beddie]

Great news and fully deserved. Well done Ashley. His work rate of late has been phenomenal.

[Blackrod]

Great news. A typical Burnley player like Ben Mee. Lots of graft and commitment. He's getting better too.

[boiledclaret]

My only main criticism of Barnes was his lack of goal threat. He has the lot in his locker but 'goal threat' was always the stumbling block.

He's looked sharper and leaner this season, and much better for it. I reckon it's something that Dyche noticed and has worked on big time.

[Silkyskills1]

Another one here having to 'eat humble ple'. Mentioned before the season began that I thought our strikers were at best adequate and needed upgrading. Ashley Barnes has shut me up on that one. Classic example of someone prepared to listen and learn. Anyway, the microwave has just pinged and it's apparently time for another slice!

[TVC15]

My only main criticism of Barnes was his lack of goal threat. He has the lot in his locker but 'goal threat' was always the stumbling block.

He's looked sharper and leaner this season, and much better for it. I reckon it's something that Dyche noticed and has worked on big time.

I think this says a lot more about how the team is set up rather than Ashley Barnes. He does not miss a lot of chances at all and takes his fair share of half chances as he strikes the ball better than any of our strikers. Even when we play 2 up front Ashley is the one who is playing less further forward usually,

Re the new contract - fully deserved. This is someone we bought for half a million....less than one weeks wage than Alexis Sanchez yet he has arguably had a better season than Sanchez !!

During his time at Burnley he seems to have appreciated the chance to play for us and he was a player Dyche pursued for quite a while. He has got his head down and worked as hard as anyone to improve and never complains about being left out or on the bench. He gets written off by plenty of Burnley fans every summer and with Walters, Wood and Wells all joining this year and Vokes finishing last season really well it would have been easy to think Barnes was 4th or 5th striker at the club and possibly on his way out. None of that bothered him and he has had a really good season.

I`d like to spend some decent money on another forward / no 10 this summer and even if we do they no they are going to have a fight on their hands to dislodge Barnes.

[cricketfieldclarets]

As someone whose heavily critised Barnes in the past. I’m happy to admit I was wrong.

He’s been unplayable at times in the last few games and he looks to have something special going with Chris Wood.

Exactly the same. So happy to be proved wrong.

He has always had the desire, bravery and effort but not always end product. You could never complain abouthim as an impact player or someone to mix it up.

One thing that I could never criticise was his ability to score cruicial (and impressive) goals. They almost always seem to be important. Wigan being the highlight but plenty of others. Barnsley away, Stoke at Home, Man Utd away, Southampton at home. Everton at home, Palace home and away, City away all absolutely crucial, point winning goals.

The other thing that can't be in question is the way he constantly improves and proves us wrong. I didn't think he could step up when Ings and Vokes were injured - he did. I didn't think he could step up to The Premier League he did. I didnt think he could be a first choice starter in the premier league. He did. And I didn't think he could score regular - he now is!

One thing I will say - I always criticised him for unnecesary fouls, dives and bookings. He seems to have cut those three things out and focus on his game and guess what - he is scoring!

Keep it up Ash. Keep proving us wrong. Keep focusing in your game and keep scoring.

Barnes for England.

[DCWat]

He’s fast become our version of Kevin Davies

[Pearcey]

Great signing. I have to say, I’m enjoying this season!

[Sausage]

Great news. You've got to love him just for his goal celebrations. None of this ear-cupping bullshit or contrived choreographed routine, just a bellicose roar and a clenched fist. Someone please put together a YouTube compilation of his celebrations.

[cricketfieldclarets]

He’s fast become our version of Kevin Davies

Perfect comparison. I agree.

[ten bellies]

His attitude has always been superb. His aggression and desire being matched by an improving technical ability. Some humble pie being eaten by some on here?

[cricketfieldclarets]

Great news. You've got to love him just for his goal celebrations. None of this ear-cupping bullshit or contrived choreographed routine, just a bellicose roar and a clenched fist. Someone please put together a YouTube compilation of his celebrations.

Absolutely agree...

[vancouverclaret]

Great news. I've always liked him, he gives it all every game. He plays better in a 442 not as a lone striker. Hopefully more good stuff to come with him and Wood up front.

[Sausage]

Absolutely agree...

I knew that'd come back to haunt me.

[cricketfieldclarets]

I knew that'd come back to haunt me.

Should have seen it coming!

[bfcjg]

Ditto some of the comments re questioning his ability as a Prem striker,I have questioned him but this season wow he looks at home and especially in a front two he would get in most teams.

[Nonayforever]

One thing I will say - I always criticised him for unnecesary fouls, dives and bookings. He seems to have cut those three things out and focus on his game and guess what - he is scoring!

This " change" in Ash's game is down to the fact that Brady & Defour are not playing.
When they were both available Barnes was told to go down & win a free kick. He is now told to stay on his feet and do whatever he can.
The result speaks volumes.