Mark Fotheringham reacts as Huddersfield Town and Barnsley strike deadline day transfer agreement | OneFootball

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·1 February 2023

Mark Fotheringham reacts as Huddersfield Town and Barnsley strike deadline day transfer agreement

Article image:Mark Fotheringham reacts as Huddersfield Town and Barnsley strike deadline day transfer agreement

Huddersfield Town oversaw Jon Russell’s exit late last night, with the midfielder joining Barnsley on a permanent deal.

Russell had been a key figure during the second-half of last season under Carlos Corberan, as Huddersfield found themselves within 90 minutes of a Premier League return.


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However, under Mark Fotheringham this season, the midfielder has fallen out of favour significantly and hasn’t featured since the Scot’s first game in-charge against Reading FC. Despite Huddersfield’s struggle in the Championship, he’s not featured in their last 11 matchday squads.

Fotheringham outlined how the 22-year-old’s form hadn’t been at the level of others, despite a clean slate when he arrived.

“Jon was given a completely fresh start when I arrived at the Club, but his form hasn’t been of the level that others in the same position have shown and naturally he’s moved away from the First Team group as a result,” Fotheringham said, as quoted by Huddersfield’s official media, in the wake of confirming his move to Barnsley.

“After his experience last season it’s no secret of his desire to play First Team football, and with that unavailable here, finding another club is what’s best for Jon and ourselves.

“Jon has a new opportunity with a different club, and I wish him all the best with it.”

Russell, who made a total of 30 appearances for Huddersfield, now swaps the bottom of the Championship for the top of League One, after signing what’s said to be a three-and-a-half year deal with Barnsley.

Michael Duff’s Barnsley side sit sixth in the League One table, having collected 43 points from 25 games. At this stage, the Tykes have played considerably fewer games than those around them in the table, leaving them in a position of strength when it comes to tightening a grip on a place in the top-six.

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Article image:Mark Fotheringham reacts as Huddersfield Town and Barnsley strike deadline day transfer agreement

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The Verdict

Russell looks a good pick-up for Barnsley, despite his exile from Huddersfield.

He wasn’t suited to Fotheringham’s style of play and was one player struggling to reignite the form he showed last season.

Restarting at a level lower looks like the right move for him, with Barnsley sure to be leaning on his brilliant passing range and awkward frame when it comes to dominating games in midfield.

If he can rediscover anything like the form he showed last season, Barnsley will be confident of finishing in the top-six.

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