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New Reds check in
New boy: Reds Jim McNulty, left, welcomes Michael Tonge to Oakwell. PICTURE: Matt Goodwin
BARNSLEY new boys Michael Tonge and Korey Smith were both involved in their first training session at Oakwell yesterday.
And Reds boss Keith Hill sees both loan signings as key to his team’s plans.
Former Sheffield United midfielder Tonge has signed until the end of the season from Stoke City, and fellow midfielder Smith until February 25 from Norwich.
“Michael brings that experience and that quality we’re looking for,” said Hill, who has lost two midfielders in the last fortnight. “He brings that quality that Jacob and Danny brought to the table.”
Skipper Jacob Butterfield is sidelined for the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury while Danny Drinkwater joined Leicester City on a permanent deal.
Hill said: “We see Michael as a player who can unlock doors. He comes here with experience and he needs to kick-start his career again. He’s not played a lot of games but he’s got the quality in abundance that we’re always searching for. Tony Pulis has done us a great financial deal.”
And Hill is confident the Reds’ supporters will have plenty to see from 20-year-old Smith, a player who comes to the club having played a key role in the Canaries’ successful 2009-10 League One promotion campaign.
“We’ve signed Korey for a month initially, but he’s a great signing so hopefully we can extend it,” revealed Hill.
“He’s been unfortunate he hasn’t played the games he’s wanted.”
Barnsley are taking a look at 24-year-old striker Yannick Boli who was formerly with Paris St.Germain and recently at Nimes. He trained with the Reds yesterday and is with them for a week. He had a trial at Blackpool in 2009.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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