McPhail gone...

McPhail opts to leave Oakwell
Exclusive
Ian Appleyard
FORMER Leeds United midfielder Stephen McPhail has confirmed he is quitting Barnsley – just over two weeks after helping the club win promotion to the Championship.
The Republic of Ireland international has rejected a new two-year deal saying he wants a "new challenge" and his departure may not be the only setback of the summer for the Oakwell club.
Of the seven out-of-contract players offered new deals immediately after the League One play-off final victory over Swansea, only captain Paul Reid has so far agreed to stay. Striker Daniel Nardiello, winger Chris Shuker, defenders Bobby Hassell and Antony Kay, and goalkeeper Nick Colgan remain undecided.
Chairman Gordon Shepherd last night described 26-year-old McPhail's decision as a "disappointment" but stressed that Barnsley, who will have one of the smallest budgets in the Championship next season, cannot afford to risk financial instability.
"Stephen has returned a letter which suggests he wants to explore a new challenge," revealed Shepherd. "We take that to mean he will be leaving us this summer.
"It is a disappointment because Stephen is a good player – one of the most elegant I have seen – but you can't blame people for wanting to seek fresh pastures from time to time.
"We know what we can afford to pay. The offer we made to Stephen was quite good but we have to be prudent – there is no way this club is going into administration again."
Hull City had been leading the chase for McPhail but the probable departure of manager Peter Taylor for Crystal Palace today casts a doubt on that switch.
Former Barnsley chairman Peter Ridsdale wants to tempt McPhail to Cardiff, where he is the deputy chairman, while both Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds have been linked with possible moves.
McPhail has spent two seasons playing League One football with Barnsley, a world away from his appearances in the Champions League with Leeds as a youngster.
Having won promotion to the Championship, there was optimism at Oakwell that he would agree to extend his stay.

 

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well thats his unfortunate, he won't get as good supports there then us here

hope he goes back to league one next season

 

From official site

McPHAIL TO LEAVE PROMOTION WINNING REDS - CHAIRMAN

<img src ="http://www.barnsleyfc.premiumtv.co.uk/javaImages/f/7f/0,,10309~2916111,00.jpg">

BARNSLEY Chairman Gordon Shepherd has confirmed that midfielder Stephen McPhail will walk out on the Reds this summer with Cardiff City his most likely destination.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Post, Mr Shepherd said: "Stephen has returned a letter which suggests he wants to explore a new challenge. We take that to mean he will be leaving us this summer.

"It is a disappointment because Stephen is a good player - one of the most elegant I have seen - but you can't blame people for wanting to seek fresh pastures from time to time.

"We know what we can afford to pay. The offer we made to Stephen was quite good but we have to be prudent - there is no way this club is going into administration again."

 

disappointing thing for me was that he said he would see if we strengthen the squad first before deciding his future, yet he gave us 2 weeks, that was good of him!

 

It's all money, that's all most players are interested in. Having said that if we've offered say £2k per week and Cardiff have offered £10k, which is he going top choose ?</p>

 

no point in having players that dont want to play for us. Good point by Shep about the admin situation, he isnt ging to be held to ransom

 

Couldn't agree more, but now wait for the 'get thi bloody 'and in thi pocket Cryne' brigade 'tha's showing now ambition, nar foock off what's tha iver done for 't club'</p>

Memories span of a goldfish has the average football fan</p>

 

Not going to blame him for money

9 out 10 people would do the same, but why not just say it depends on what the best offer is finanically, Howard did when he joined us!

 

Also from official site

CARDIFF WIN CHOPRA RACE - REPORT

CARDIFF City have won the race to sign Newcastle United striker Michael Chopra, according to the national press this morning.

The Daily Mirror claims the Ninian Park side have agreed terms with the young hit man.

Today's report reads:

CARDIFF have agreed terms with Newcastle's 22-year-old striker Michael Chopra.

 

Not sure it was a race

We didn't seem to enter. I reckon we lost our application form.

 

He was hardly welcomed by the Barnsley fans with open arms. Some still prefered Burns, and called him McFrail. I believe that those who appreciated his talents were in the minority.

 

Good player towards end of season (prob once he knew clubs were watching) but hardly set the game alight over the two seasons.
Can be easily replaced in my eyes

 

Did it since January

but reckon Howard will do the job and get a tackler in midfield with him.

Thought McPhail would be suited for the division and didn't want to see him go but lets concentrate on getting players in and backing those.

 

He could be in for a rough ride down there

if things start going tits up early on for them 'specially with their overall financial situation it won't take their fans long to turn and if things get tough Mcfrail usually gets injured or anywhere but in the thick of it.

 

Appleyard..Get your facts straight you Leeds ****

Nardiello is NOT out of contract

 

Perhaps..

PC should keep quiet about "BOX OFFICE PLAYERS" then?

 

Well maybe he should

but what's to say there aren't other targets who are on the list ? (I hope there IS a list)</p>

BTW how are you doing mate ?</p>

 

RE: Well maybe he should

not bad mate, you?

I just think that people will get wound up with such talk and then get dissapointed when it does not happen.

 

What amazes me

is how many people have suddenly remembered they hate McPhail. where's Red Helen, I miss her insightful ramblings about his workrate. not a patch on little Chrissy. and that.

may I be the first and last to say good luck to McPhail and thanks for his key contribution in getting us out of pub league 1 and into football league 2.