Boulding leaves Town

Last updated : 12 February 2004 By Site Staff
Barnsley have been chasing Boulding for some weeks now and were confident of landing their man early last month.

Boulding stayed at Blundell Park, in what seems to be loyalty to Paul Groves. With Groves sacked on Monday, Boulding requested to leave the club.

Bye Bye, Mick
Boulding with his new colours
The 29-year-old had a clause in his contract stating any club offering over £45,000 could open talks with him.

Barnsley were soon alerted to the request and offered a fee of around £50,000 - an offer Town accepted with no other option available.

Boulding travelled to Oakwell today and agreed personal terms.

The former Aston Villa striker had struck 13 goals so far this season for Town, although had failed to hit the net since the 3-3 draw with Oldham on Boxing Day.

Whilst his goalscoring record was impressive, his form this season was far from that. A number of fans felt his place in the team was a foregone conclusion, with arguably a larger number claiming that Phil Jevons would do a better job in Boulding's shoes. This may now be Jevons chance.

Boulding will wear the number 11 shirt at Oakwell, that could see Boulding play on the left wing - the position he started out upon coming to Town. Barnsley have no natural left winger in the side. Right sided attacker Kevin Betsy and central midfielder Chris Lumsdon have played out of position on the left flank in recent weeks. Up front recent recruits Daniel Nardiello and Mark Stallard will be unlucky to lose their starting places.

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