DARRELL Clarke is happy with his Barnsley squad following what he admits was a difficult summer transfer window until the final hours.
The Reds brought in forwards Davis Keillor-Dunn and Stephen Humphrys on transfer deadline day last Friday, taking their tally of arrivals in the window to nine and leaving head coach Clarke ‘very pleased’ with his squad.
They are thought to be keeping an eye on the free agent market but not currently set to bring anyone in.
Clarke was low on senior strikers for the opening month of the season as Barnsley waited until the end to get what they felt were the best deals.
Clarke told the Chronicle: “It was a frustrating window but we got our business done. We will park that, review it and learn from it and improve aspects if we can. DKD is a player we wanted to bring for weeks and took a bit of time.
“I like versatility in the squad.
“It’s good to have players years like Keillor-Dunn and Humphrys who can play different formations. I can change things up when I need to.”
Clarke added: “I am happy with the depth. We’re maybe a wide player short but Kyran Lofthouse has done really well and Fabio (Jalo) can play there who is back in non-contract training.”
Keillor-Dunn has mainly played as an attacking midfielder for Mansfield but could also play up front.
Clarke said: “I see him as an option all over – centre forward, number ten.
“He is bright and intelligent and can play different positions.
“His record last season in League Two was very strong. He will take time to bed in but he’s up to the challenge.”
Barnsley held on to star players such as attacking midfielder Adam Phillips throughout the window.
Clarke said: “You always want to keep your best players and there is always interest when you have good players.
“Adam has been a top player for a while now. He’s one of many talented players in the group.”
The Reds could still loan other players out, either to the National League or different countries where the window is yet to shut.
Goalkeeper Jackson Smith, who has been third choice so far this season, was expected to be loaned out during the window but a move did not materialise.
It is thought that he could be loaned to the National League or used as an emergency loan goalkeeper by an EFL club if such an opportunity arises.
Clarke said: “When he came in the intention was for him to fight for number one. But to progress his career we need him out playing games.
“That hasn’t come to fruition at the minute. We will look at one or two decent clubs in the National League but also emergency loans.
“He’s done really well with his fitness levels. He’s improved massively since he’s been in the building which is credit to my goalkeeper coach James Bittner and Matthew Cook (sports scientist).
“We want him out playing games but until then he is training hard and working hard.”
Barnsley loaned out young defender Kacper Lopata to Ross County in the Scottish top flight. The 23-year-old, who has three years left on his contract at Oakwell, made his debut on Saturday.
Clarke said: “Kacper is a one hundred-per-center.
“The lads are probably pleased he’s gone out because he was getting frustrated and kicking them in training.
“He’s a great kid. It’s a good move.
“I will keep in touch with him.
“Hopefully he gets a lot of minutes, kicks on and improves.”
While Barnsley were bringing in players for six-figure fees this window, Birmingham City reportedly spent £30million in total including at least £10million on striker Jay Stansfield.
Clarke said: “Fair play to Birmingham. They want to get out of the division at the first time of asking but it’s not as easy as that. It’s a tough league.
“We want to be focusing on ourselves.
“We will let other clubs do what they need to.
“There are some very big clubs and, on paper, it’s probably the toughest League One has been for years.”
