POSITIVE TYKES ATTRACT ACE ADAM
NEW boy Adam Armstrong insists Barnsley’s rags-to-riches story last season was what tipped the scales in deciding he wanted to move to Oakwell.
The highly-rated 19-yearold striker, who fired 20 goals in a fine loan spell at Coventry City last term, signed on loan with the Tykes after Rafa Benitez made it clear he was not part of his first-team plans at Newcastle United.
And, despite attracting the interest of several other Championship and League One clubs, Armstrong knew the Tykes were for him after their stunning promotion run and with their attacking mindset.
He said: “I had a chat with Rafa Benitez about his plans for me and he said: ‘Look, go into the Championship and get some experience somewhere else where. You will probably get more minutes than you would at Newcastle’.
“I chose Barnsley and I think it is the right club going in the right direction.
“I saw them in League One a lot last year, and the story of what they produced in getting into the play-offs was amazing for the club – from where they were at Christmas.
“I watched them a few times this season and I think they are really positive and like to get forward as much as they can. That is a big part of my game.”