Brian Howard rumour … and what ever happened to …

I'll start with the usual for all the pedants amongst us … the source of the rumour is a random stranger on an early morning train from Doncaster to Leeds. I usually get the earlier train but was running late and had to stand up.

This guy was not a Barnsley fan and was unaware of me earwigging as I stood by him.

He was regaling his group with the story of his mate who apparently ran the company who sponsored the Coventry game (didn't catch the name). This chap watched the game from the corporate box and met up with Brian Howard after the game.

His story went on that they bumped into Brian at Blah-Blah later that night and he spent most of the night out with their group. During the course of the night, despite their attempts to get Brian drunk he was apparently very sensible, had a few but refused plenty of drinks as well.

All fairly standard stuff so far but then we get the bits I have some trouble believing.

He told the rest of those sitting with him that Brian has told him that he will be leaving the club as they cannot match what other teams are willing to offer him. He reckoned that Brian told him he was on £3k a week and is a bit miffed at present as he has a parity clause in his contract which should match his earnings to the highest earners at the club. This fella reckons that Luke Steel has been brought in on £5k (which makes it more difficult to accept) and the club have not increased Howards wages in line with that contract.

He went on to say that both Fulham and QPR were interested in him and that QPR are willing to pay £10k a week for his services and had already tabled a £1.5m bid which has been rejected. Howard told this bloke that if Barnsley matched it he would be happy to say but he doesn't think they can so will be moving on.

I found it quite interesting to listen to and seeing as how this chap wasn't a fan it seemed odd that he'd make up such an elaborate lie to impress his mates. I should however say that this is merely second hand info that I thought I'd share with a wider audience. I'm dubious that it's true particularly given the suggestion regarding Steels wages, I can't imagine that we'd pay what will be a second choice keeper more than we do the club captain! But there you go, that's what he said.

And finally, I thought that the lack of a natural left back and lack of pace in Defence generally was very, very worrying against Coventry. I can see that being exploited all season long and hope to God we address it as soon as possible. On that note, does anyone know what happened to that Aurelien Collin bloke we were supposed to be interested in from Gretna?

 

</p>

Didn't speak to them much (vaguely know one of them) and didn't speak to BH but I can confirmhe was in Blah on Saturday night with a bunch of lads he's not usually with. One of them was totally shitfaced but I only saw Howard with one drink the whole hour-or-so they were there.
</p>

 

Just as predicted

http://bbs1.barnsleyfc.org.uk/bbs/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=113714&mid=744103#M744103

 

RE: Just as predicted

That must have took you ages to go that far back to proove a point

 

Nope

I suggest you enroll in Jay's course on "How to use the search function on the BBS."

 

looard o balax!

 

Whereas my predictions have proved to be absolutely pathetic and inaccurate.

http://www.barnsleyfc.org.uk/bbs/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=112890&posts=12&highlight=I'm%20bored&highlightmode=1#M739819

 

Spoke to him the other Saturday and

he was at a BBQ a few weeks ago with the old Marketing Manager and all he's bothered about is his contract. He gave the opinion that if a new one was offered on a decent salary then he would be willing to stay. Seems a bit silly by the club when he can walk away next summer for nowt.

 

I seem to remember at the time of signing Steele

hearing that he would be on good money as he was on a good crack at WBA

 

Steele is on 5K a week but Howards on more

sounds like ballax to me

 

Biggest mystery is that he is captian - which suggest Davey wants him to play and lead - so why no contract. Until we find out why a contract hasn't been offered (or until one is offered) - serious questions have to be asked

 

Yes, even more befuddled thinking from SD.

 

cheers for that nt

 

Very interesting

There will always be a rumour mill, but the underlying trend still points to Howard going for the right price.</p>

It'll be a sad day if and when he does.</p>

 

thanks mate, good read.

think he will be offered a new contract.

f*ck knows why we are paying Steele 5k a week.

 

Steele only got a 1 year deal because of the size of his wages and Mullers injury,I think we will let Steele go when his years deal is up.

 

Ps Dont forget we neede a goalie quick for the Liverpool game,not a bad keeper,good shot stopper,lacks the physical presence in the box of Muller.