Barnsley: Dougall fulfils ambition by signing with Reds

New boy Kenny Dougall has revealed signing for Barnsley has fulfilled a life-long ambition.

The Australian penned a two-year deal last week to become the Reds’ first summer signing.

And Dougall made a fast start to life at Oakwell by scoring just two minutes into his first game in a Reds shirt in the club’s final pre-season outing on Saturday.

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Dougall grew up watching English football and has long aimed to make the move.

He said: “I’ve always wanted to play English football, it’s been a dream of mine ever since I was a kid.

“Growing up in Australia you watch the English leagues quite a lot.

“Barnsley was a great chance to come to a team which will hopefully win a lot of games this season.

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“Personally promotion is the aim. I haven’t spoken to anyone about it yet, though.

“Obviously the aim for any team that’s relegated is to go straight back up.”

Dougall was bought in to fill the gap in the Reds’ midfield left after loanees Joe Williams and Gary Gardner returned to their respective parent clubs.

The player fits Daniel Stendel’s system, which is built around regaining possession quickly once the ball’s been lost.

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And Dougall hopes he can continue the perfect start to his Barnsley career, with Stendel’s squad opening their campaign on Saturday against Oxford United.

He added: “It was a fantastic start to score with only my second touch.

“My job isn’t really to score too many goals, but it all helps the tram.

“It all happened very quickly. I flew over on Thursday to have my medical, had my first training session with everyone on Friday and then played 65 minutes.

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“I’m enjoying it here. I’m getting a good feeling from the team and I’m happy to be here.”

Meanwhile, the club are braced for more interest in striker Tom Bradshaw.

The Welsh international is entering the final year of his contract and with Ipswich Town on the verge of losing Martyn Waghorn, the Tractor Boys are eying Bradshaw as his replacement.

Barnsley have already turned down offers from Millwall, with other Championship clubs also interested.