New Barnsley FC stadium debated - 'I would be devastated' if we left Oakwell | OneFootball

FLW’s Barnsley fan pundit has commented on whether he could see the club move away from Oakwell in the future.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Since 1888, Oakwell has been the home of Barnsley matches and has been a stadium different generations of people have visited.

Over their history, Barnsley have traditionally been a team competing in either the second or third-tier of English football, but did have a season in the top-flight back in 1997-98.

In more recent times, the club has fluctuated between the Championship and League One, although the Tykes have now remained in the third-tier since their relegation from the second-tier back in 2022.

There is a hope that Barnsley will make it back to the top end of the EFL pyramid and contend for a place in the Premier League later down the line, with the Yorkshire outfit’s passionate and loyal fanbase deserving of such a rise.

The club did come close and had a sniff at promotion to the top flight under Valerien Ismael in 2021. However, they lost out to Swansea City over two legs in the semi-final.

Widely considered a yo-yo side between the Championship and League One, Barnsley have finished fourth and sixth in the third tier following relegation, with Conor Hourihane hoping that this season will be a different outcome after the 46 games are played.

As mentioned, Oakwell is home to the Barnsley community, and a change of stadium is not always welcomed by supporters.

The discontent has been visible at Premier League outfit West Ham United after they moved away from Upton Park, while time will only tell if Everton fans prefer the brand-spanking new Hill Dickinson Stadium compared to Goodison Park.

With this in mind, FLW’s Barnsley fan pundit revealed how he would feel if the club decided to move to a new stadium and abandon Oakwell.

Barnsley fan pundit outlines “devastated” stance over hypothetical Barnsley, Oakwell move

Speaking to Football League World, Barnsley fan pundit Andy Symcox has revealed that he would be “devastated” if Barnsley were to ever move away from Oakwell, admitting it is “inconceivable” to consider given the upgrades they’ve made during their 137-year association with the ground.

Andy said: “Barnsley FC formed in 1887 and moved to Oakwell the following year in 1888 as a basic stadium.

“The West Stand was constructed in 1904 and upgraded in 1910, and is currently the oldest stand at Oakwell.

“The East Stand, formerly the Brewery Stand, was totally rebuilt in 1993. The South Stand, or the Pontefract Road End, now the Norman Rimmington Stand, was constructed in 1995 from scratch.

“The North Stand, which is generally designated as the away end, was totally rebuilt in 1999 and recently named the Barry Murphy Stand after our longest-serving player, who still to this day, is an ambassador for the club.

“Oakwell is synonymous with Barnsley Football Club, and I would be devastated if we left to go to a new stadium.

“I can’t believe that would happen as three sides of the ground are relatively new, 32 years and less. However, the West Stand needs to be rebuilt, although there are people, including my brother, who feel that it is a living testament of the club’s history.

“Personally, I think it would enhance the ground completely by having the fourth stand rebuilt.

“We cannot leave Oakwell in my personal opinion. I have a close friend whose ashes are scattered at Oakwell, as were his parents before him. To me, it is inconceivable that this could happen, and I see no reason why it should.

“So for me, Oakwell and Barnsley are made for each other, and should remain so.”

Oakwell should be Barnsley’s ground for the past, present and future

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Oakwell is one of football’s most historic and established stadiums, with its mix of modern and traditional elements making it one of the better places in the country to watch football.

Some parts of the ground date back to the 19th century, while Oakwell is also a fundamental place for a lot of work going on connected with Barnsley.

It includes on-site training facilities, hospitality suites, administrative offices, a youth academy and their affiliated charity arm.

In addition, the ground holds up to 23,000, so it would be very difficult to see the club having the financial resources to build a stadium bigger than the one they currently have.