Conor Hourihane criticised: Barnsley FC decision involving Jon Russell has caused a stir online | OneFootball

Barnsley fans are not happy with the decision to allow Jon Russell to join Mansfield Town on loan for the remainder of the season

Barnsley have allowed Jon Russell to join League One rivals Mansfield Town on loan for the remainder of the season, and with the midfielder's contract set to expire in the summer, Tykes supporters are not thrilled with how the club have handled his situation.

Having started the season fairly strongly, Barnsley's form has dwindled in recent weeks, and the Tykes sit just two points above the League One relegation zone, albeit they have four games in hand on the teams surrounding them.

Though after pre-season hopes of a play-off charge this campaign from supporters of the club, they have so far fallen short of those expectations, and the most recent transfer update has not helped the mood of the fanbase.

Jon Russell, who has been a regular fixture in their midfield since 2023, has been allowed to join third-tier rivals Mansfield Town on loan for the rest of the season.

Russell, 25, has just six months remaining on his deal at Oakwell and has played just 169 minutes of League One football so far this campaign under Hourihane, with the likes of Luca Connell, Vimal Yoganathan, Patrick Kelly, and Adam Phillips all ahead of him in the pecking order.

In a Football League World exclusive, it was revealed that numerous Championship clubs were chasing Russell in the summer, including Stoke City, Derby County, Oxford United, and Blackburn Rovers.

Though the Chelsea academy product has now been allowed to spend the remainder of the season on loan with Mansfield, much to the annoyance of Barnsley fans.

With just six months remaining on his deal, it now appears increasingly likely that Russell will leave Barnsley for free in the summer.

Having reportedly been courted by clubs in the second tier as recently as last summer, the Tykes' decision not to sell Russell has seemingly backfired, reflected in the reactions of supporters of the club.

This Barnsley fan is well aware that Russell's current deal is up in the summer, and will echo the opinion of many supporters in believing they should have cashed in when they had the opportunity.

A fully-fledged Jamaican international, Russell was an ever-present figure in Barnsley's side last season, making 40 League One appearances, scoring 11 and assisting two from midfield, with this Tykes fan believing the club has let him down.

Although they have played two fewer games than the Stags, Barnsley sit behind Mansfield in the current League One standings, deciding to loan Russell out to a direct rival all the more confusing.

Indeed, for whatever reason, Russell simply wasn't fancied by Hourihane this season, which is reflected in his drastic decrease in game time and, ultimately, his exit, and it remains to be seen whether they will live to regret this decision, though Barnsley's fans' feelings on the matter have been made clear.

Although they have played fewer games than all the teams surrounding them, Barnsley are in real danger of finding themselves involved in a relegation battle if they are not careful.

The season is far from over, and Barnsley's form could well improve, though for now, they sit just two points above the drop zone, and if they fail to capitalise on their game advantage, it could spell real danger for Hourihane's side.

FLW exclusively revealed that the Tykes are willing to part ways with star forward Davis Keillor-Dunn this January, whilst they have already rejected a bid for Reyes Cleary from Blackburn Rovers, as per Alan Nixon.

It is looking like a huge window for Barnsley, who must do everything they can to retain the services of their star players following the departure of Russell, otherwise they may well find themselves in a heap of bother.