Tykes play catch-up

BRENTFORD manager Dean Smith insists that Barnsley are playing ‘Moneyball’ catch-up.

The Tykes have been bought by a consortium including Nice owner Chien Lee – with baseball guru Billy Beane also involved.

Beane, famously played by Brad Pitt in a 2011 Hollywood film, used data to identify under and over-valued talent.

Brentford’s own statistical model has kept the club punching above its weight for years.

Boss Smith, 46, said: “We have our own unique way of recruiting. If a team, such as Barnsley, comes in where we were as pioneers a few years ago – we have moved on since then.

“Hopefully, we are ahead of the game.”