[BFC SITE] Russell: Big step in right direction

Midfielder Jon Russell expressed his delight after Barnsley’s commanding 4-1 victory over Bolton Wanderers at Oakwell on Saturday afternoon - a performance that not only secured a vital three points, but also saw the towering midfielder net twice, taking his season tally to eight goals.


It was a result that sent a message, both in terms of the scoreline and the manner in which it was achieved. The Reds were dominant from the first whistle, pressing with purpose, playing with structure, and showing real quality in all areas of the pitch.

“We’re buzzing,” Russell admitted. “Everyone’s happy - not just for the result but for how we performed as a team. I’m grateful to the lads, we worked really hard, and I’m obviously pleased to have scored twice as well. It was a big win.”

The Reds looked well-drilled and organised throughout - something Russell credits to Interim Head Coach Conor Hourihane and his coaching staff.

“Conor’s really clear in how he wants us to play,” he explained. “The structure he’s put in place, the details he’s drilled into us - we all understand what’s expected now. It’s about respecting that and sticking to the plan, and today we definitely showed that on the pitch.”

Russell’s two goals were taken with real confidence – the first coming from a clever move that saw Stephen Humphrys' dummy run create the space for a pinpoint finish, and the second arriving from a deep cross by Adam Phillips.

“Humps [Humphrys] made a great run wide that dragged the defender, which gave me the space to drive into and get the shot away for the first,” Russell said. “Then there was Phillo’s [Phillips] delivery for the second - it was spot on. All I had to do was get the right contact and guide it in."



It’s been a standout season on a personal level for Russell, with the Jamaican international now on eight goals – the most he’s scored in a single campaign.

“Yeah, I’m really happy with that,” he smiled. “It’s definitely the best return I’ve had in my career so far. Earlier in the season I was playing deeper, more as a holding midfielder, but I prefer being box-to-box, getting forward, making runs, and causing problems for the opposition. The way we played today suited that perfectly.”

Despite the convincing win, the message from the dressing room remains clear: enjoy it - but stay focused.

“Conor told us to be proud of the performance and enjoy it, but then it’s all about carrying that intensity and desire into the next game,” Russell said. “It’s about consistency now, doing what we did today again and again.”

With Bolton occupying a spot near the top six of the League One table, the manner of the victory was not only impressive, but a timely confidence boost for a Barnsley side looking to finish the season strong.

“Beating a team like that - and doing it so dominantly - gives us loads of confidence,” Russell added. “We’ve been in those play-off places before and we want to get back there. We know we’re capable, and today was a big step in the right direction.”

And with Barnsley’s home form having been inconsistent in recent times, putting on a performance like that in front of the Oakwell faithful made the afternoon even sweeter.

“That’s what the fans come for,” Russell said. “We want to make them proud - and ourselves proud too. Today we got them on their feet, and you could feel that connection growing. We hate losing, especially at home, so to get that win - and in that way - really meant a lot to all of us.”

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