Barnsley v Everton FC: Behind Enemy Lines - "I still love John Stones!"Ahead of tonight's Capital One Cup clash at Oakwell, we speak to Tykes fan Liam Dyson of Barnsley fanzine West Stand BogsA general view of Oakwell Stadium, home of Barnsley FC
By Mark Jones
He's getting used to the spotlight, is John Stones. No wonder, given that his name has dominated the back pages for longer than most Evertonians would care to remember.
This week has been no different, of course, with the news that the England man has handed in a transfer request at Goodison, in a bid to force through a move to Chelsea. The 21-year-old, therefore, is unlikely to feature when the Blues visit his former club Barnsley tonight.
The second round of the Capital One Cup is rarely the most glamorous of stages, but for Everton the significance is, well, significant. The Blues have never won the League Cup, and this season's competition looks like it will represent their best chance of silverware.
Standing in their way, of course, is Lee Johnson's League One outfit. Barnsley have won two of their first four games this season, and beat Scunthorpe on penalties in Round One.
So, we got hold of Tykes fan Liam Dyson, of the brilliantly-named fanzine 'West Stand Bogs', for a chat ahead of the game. Here's what he had to say...
Barnsley manager Lee Johnson applauds the away fans after the final whistle in the Sky Bet League one match at Ashton Gate, Bristol.
So Liam, two wins, a draw and a loss to start the season, things haven't gone too badly since the opening day at Chesterfield?It's been steady if unspectacular. As always happens at Oakwell, we had a pre season with a new manager which in turn means plenty of new players coming in. We've signed lots of young lads & got plenty of loans in already so it'll take time to click but some of the signs have been positive - you would have been happy with that before the season started anyway.
Do you believe in cup magic? Could there be a shock on Wednesday?Of course I do! in the last 20 years or so I've seen us beat Chelsea, Liverpool & Manchester United in various rounds of the cup, so it can & does happen. There's nothing that makes me think a shock isn't possible Wednesday either - dafter things have happened.
Is the Capital One Cup something you look forward to as a Barnsley fan, or would you rather concentrate on the League?Being a Barnsley fan you don't look forward to many games! We've not had a great record in the League Cup in recent years so it's difficult to say 'look forward to,' but the nice thing is having the chance to play sides like Everton.
If you're a football supporter who wants their side to concentrate on the league then you're lacking a romance about your relationship with your club - it's about the shocks and the upsets, not resting players to give you a better chance on the Saturday away game at a nondescript League One team.
Can Mason Holgate follow John Stones from Barnsley rookie to Everton star?
John Stones will be returning to Barnsley, what have you made of the saga surrounding him?I'll be honest, I still love John Stones! He's a real role model & success story for my town and we're all very, very proud of him. His talent was obvious to most from day one but to see him climb so quickly has been fantastic to see.
In terms of the transfer, we're all watching keenly not only because he's a Barnsley lad but because it can and should net us a decent windfall from a sell on clause that's apparently in place, and a few percent of the numbers being talked about isn't to be sniffed at. I do hope, whatever happens, that he continues to be successful though because it's great for my town to have people like him associated to it.
Another young defender Mason Holgate has made the switch to Everton - do you think he'll be a success at Goodison?He's got a long way to go. He looks like he can play but he's definitely not grown up yet in terms of physicality - when he does you'll have to see.
Going into Wednesday's game, which Everton players are you most worried about?Ross Barkley. He's everything you want in a midfielder: quick, strong, energetic, can pass, tackle and scores. I'm really excited to see him play.
Everton FC V Manchester City FC at Goodison Park. Ross Barkley fires in a free-kick.
Do you think that your chances will be made better or worse by Everton's defeat to Man City at the weekend?I think it makes absolutely no difference whatsoever!
Finally, score prediction for the game?Head says 2-0 Everton, heart says 1-0 Reds!
Echo
