Newell Makes it a Treble!

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 10/01/2009

MIKE Newell has finally captured the third of his on-loan players until at least the end of the season. Barnsley defender Rob Atkinson has agreed not only to a further loan deal, but also in principle to sign a long-term contract with Town.

The 21-year-old has to sign a loan deal in order to play in Saturday's game against Morecambe, but has agreed in principle to sign a longer contract - believed to be 2.5 years - which it is hoped will be ratified on Monday.

Atkinson was Town's best defender when he was on loan from Oakwell last season, and has made a huge difference this year as well since he teamed up with Ryan Bennett at the back.

Mike Newell had stated his intention at the beginning of January to sign loan trio Atkinson, Proudlock and Kalala permanently and now he has almost done so, although Kalala is still on loan until the end of the season.

However the new signings have freed up slots in Town's loan quota which have been filled by Stuart Elliott, Dean Sinclair and Joe Widdowson.