Barnsley FC v Huddersfield Town: Michael Duff on his first Oakwell return and memories which will stay with him forever
His final home game as Barnsley manager at Oakwell saw his side book a play-off final ticket there at Bolton Wanderers’ expense in May 2023. That spring also saw epic Oakwell days and nights against Sheffield Wednesday, Plymouth Argyle and Derby County.
But back to Wembley. Duff’s Barnsley side, amid considerable adversity and not much luck either, did him proud in that dramatic showpiece against the Owls.
Ultimately, there was despair and heartache at the death. The tears flowed from the red side, housed in the west end at the home of football. A touch of acrimony too, with the contentious dismissal of Adam Phillips leaving many sore. Yet there was also pride in what proved to be his last match in charge.
There might also be some rancour today. This time towards Duff following his abrupt departure to Swansea less than a month on from Wembley – a decision that he admitted was a mistake ahead of the reverse fixture between these Yorkshire rivals last autumn.
Come what may, Duff will remember that 2022-23 season, his only one at Barnsley, with genuine fondness. Including a moment right at the end.
Speaking ahead of his first return to Oakwell since his departure, the Huddersfield Town manager told The Yorkshire Post: “It was a good season. It ended on a disappointing note, but it was still one of my proudest moments.
“Being clapped off at Wembley after just getting beaten and playing with 10 men for 75 minutes and having two VAR decisions coming against you. That will never leave me.
“Supporters have always got the entitlement and right – they pay their money – to give people stick, to clap or to boo.
“I am not in control of that and it won’t change my feelings towards the football club and take away a really enjoyable year of my life. I have had quite a lot of success in my career and that was one of the favourite seasons I have had.
“All those things will never change. One way or the other, I will shake Darrell Clarke’s hand after. Hopefully, we win the game, but if we haven’t, we wish them all the best and crack on.”
