Barnsley handed lifeline

Doyle almost lost his life in 1982

The Mayor of Barnsley is set to buy the cash-strapped Division Two club.

Peter Doyle, who has a background in the oil and gas industry, agreed a deal with administrators on Monday.

It is an investment in the town that I love

Barnsley buyer Peter Doyle

Doyle, along with son Peter and daughter Cora, will be Barnsley's new shareholder while John Dennis remains as chairman.

"It is an investment in the town that I love," said Doyle. "We have got to consolidate and get on with the job ahead of us."

Doyle will certainly bring fighting spirit to the club after almost losing his life in 1982 following a work-related accident.

Now retired, he remains a strong-willed character.

And he has been quick to set out his plans for Barnsley as well as appeal to the supporters to get behind him.

Barnsley concerns heighten

"There has been a lot of hard work gone into this, but I have done my bit and now it is up to the people of Barnsley to do theirs," he said.

"The fans have to come on board because it has to be a team effort all round.

"We need them to come through those turnstiles. Let's see if the people of Barnsley can show the same commitment."

Doyle is likely to make a number of changes to the way the club is run but said any decisions will need careful consideration.

Hodges faces an uncertain future

That includes the future of caretaker boss Glyn Hodges.

"The manager's position has got to be looked at, but there has been enough upset and dark clouds over this club for a while," he said.

"We've got to settle down and look at things calmly."

Administrator Matthew Dunham said the deal was subject to contract by the regulatory bodies, but confirmed: "It is hoped it will be concluded within the week."

The Yorkshire club went into administration at the start of October with debts of around £3.5m.

To help ease the financial burden, the players agreed to defer their wages earlier this month.

Barnsley have suffered an alarming slide after being relegated from the Premier League after one season in 1998.