Barnsley tried to keep Brian Howard at the club before his move to Sheffield United went through


The protracted transfer ended today with Howard moving on loan with a view to a permanent deal and a statement on the Barnsley website read,

"In the event that Brian Howard had agreed to enter negotiations for a new contract, the Board were prepared to make him the highest paid player to-day," the club said via their website.

"There has also been speculation that the manager Simon Davey has had a fall-out with Brian. This is simply untrue. Simon has always had the highest regard for Brian as a player and a captain and has played him in every match this season until it was confirmed by the player directly that he was irrevocably committed to moving on.

"Brian has been an outstanding player for Barnsley FC over recent seasons and we wish him well for the future. However, the well-being of Barnsley FC going forward is always the top priority and we invite the fans to move forward and get behind the current team in our campaign."