2005/06 Cup Progress FA Cup Third Round vs Derby County (a) - lost 2-1. Carling Cup Third Round vs Aston Villa (a) - lost 1-0.
Top Goal Scorer 2005/06: Ade Akinibiyi (striker) - 14 goals.
Players In Andy Gray (Sunderland - ?750,000), Alan Mahon (Wigan Athletic - ?200,000) Steve Jones (Crewe Alexandra - Free), Stephen Foster (Crewe Alexandra - Free).
Players Out Marc Pugh (Bury - Free), Daniel Karbassiyoon (Released), Mark Crossley (Released), Martin Reilly (Released).
Burnley have struggled the Championship in recent seasons and will see survival as their main priority following a seventeenth placed finish last term. Given the club's limited budget, manager Steve Cotterill has spent almost ?1 million this summer bringing new talent to the club.
Cotterill signed Sunderland striker Andy Gray for ?750,000 following his loan spell at the club late last season. Gray netted 18 goals for Sheffield United during the 2004/05 campaign and is a proven performer at this level. He joined Sunderland for ?1.1 million following the Black Cats' promotion to the Premiership but Gray struggled to break into the first team.
Northern Ireland international Steve Jones arrived on a free transfer from Crewe Alexandra and signed a three year contract. Together with Gray, they should fill the void left by Ade Akinbiyi, who finished as last season's top goal scorer despite departing for Sheffield United in January.
Stephen Foster was the second Crewe players to join Burnley this summer after rejecting a new contract offer at Gresty Road. The 25 year old defender, who was also pursued by Barnsley, started 200 league matches for the Railwaymen. Wigan Athletic midfielder Alan Mahon, who also had a loan spell at Turf Moor last season, joined on a ?200,000 permanent transfer. Mahon struggled to adapt to life in the Premiership but made a big impact when he returned to the Championship on loan.
Burnley decided to scrap their reserve team for next season to ease the workload on their group of young players, some of whom played three matches a week last season, while striker Gifton Noel-Williams is yet to decide on where his future lies for next season. The former Watford striker spent seven matches on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion but their relegation may have scuppered a permanent deal.
Verdict It will be another tough season for Burnley but they should do enough to survive relegation. Manager Steve Cotterill has seemingly solved the club's goal scoring crisis with the arrival of Andy Gray while Alan Mahon will provide much needed creativity in the middle of the park.
Odds: 250/1
Last Five Seasons 2005/06 - 5 (League One - Promoted), 2004/05 - 13 (League One), 2003/04 - 12 (League One), 2002/03 - 19 (League One), 2001/02 - 23 (Championship, Relegated).
2005/06 Cup Progress FA Cup Third Round (replay) vs Walsall (a) - lost 2-0. Carling Cup Second Round vs Burnley (a) - lost 3-0. Football League Trophy Northern Section First Round vs Doncaster (h) - lost 5-2.
Top Goal Scorer 2005/06: Paul Hayes (striker) - 13 goals.
Players In Sam Togwell (Crystal Palace - Undisclosed), Michael McIndoe (Doncaster Rovers - Undisclosed), Michael Coulson (Scarborough - Undisclosed).
Players Out Scott Flinders (Crystal Palace - Undisclosed), Stephen McPhail (Cardiff City - Free), Chris Shuker (Tranmere Rovers - Free), Barry Conlon (Darlington - Free), Matt Carbon (Released).
Barnsley secured the final available place in the Championship after beating Swansea City on penalties in the League One play off final. They return to the second tier after a four year absence but have lost several key players on the way.
Both Chris Shuker and Stephen McPhail have departed for Tranmere Rovers and Cardiff City respectively, while highly rated goalkeeper Scott Flinders signed a three year contract with Crystal Palace. The fee for the 20 year old England Under-20 international could rise to ?1 million depending on appearances. He was also selected for a Football League XI to face Italy last season.
Manager Andy Ritchie has strengthened the squad with the signing of Doncaster Rovers winger Michael McIndoe for an undisclosed fee. McIndoe spent the last three seasons at Belle Vue, scoring 35 goals in 142 appearances and spent time on loan at Derby County at the tail end of last season.
Defender Sam Togwell switched from Crystal Palace to Oakwell for an undisclosed fee after finding limited first team opportunities at Selhurst Park. He spent a lengthy spell on loan at Port Vale last season and score four goals in almost 30 appearances.
Scarborough striker Michael Coulson has arrived at the club following a successful trial spell last season. The 18 year old has signed a two year contract and part of the deal will see three Barnsley youngsters spend next season on loan at the McCain Stadium. However, striker Daniel Nardiello will miss the start of the season after fracturing a collarbone in training. The former Manchester United trainee, who netted a goal in the League One play off final, was hurt in a collision with team mates.
Verdict The Tykes are going to find it difficult next season with the departures of McPhail and Shuker from midfield. The Tykes could well become involved in a relegation battle and look good value at 11/4 to make a swift return to League One next May.
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