Barnsley Council 'shocked and dismayed' by report of Tykes considering Oakwell move

Barnsley have just started their second successive season at Championship level

Barnsley Council says it is "shocked and dismayed" to read the Championship club is considering whether to move out of their Oakwell stadium.

Barnsley Council have 50% ownership of the stadium, with the Cryne family retaining the other 50%.

It has been claimed the club's owners want to improve Oakwell but are unwilling to do so until they have ownership of it.

The council added there have been "no disputes" between itself and the club.

A Daily Mail report said Barnsley may look to play elsewhere because of the lack of a deal.

The club have not commented on the row, or suggestions their options are as far afield as Lancashire, even though there are a number of clubs far closer who have relatively new stadiums.

However, the council are keen to play down any suggestion of a row and insist they "will do all they can" to keep the club at Oakwell.

Leader of Barnsley Council, councillor Sir Steve Houghton, said: "We're shocked and dismayed at the comments regarding the potential relocation of Barnsley Football Club.

"Relationships between the council and Barnsley Football Club have always been excellent. There are no disputes between the club and the council. The council has not declined to transfer the land as there have been no negotiations between the two parties on this matter.

"For the last 133 years, Barnsley Football Club has been a significant part of our borough, and we'll do all we can to make sure professional football is maintained in Barnsley."

The Cryne family, who sold the club in 2017 but retain a shareholding in the Tykes, said in a statement to local media that they are "fully committed to the agreement" to sell their share of the stadium, and "remain committed supporters of the club and its future at Oakwell".

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