Danny Wilson made a sensational return to Oakwell today!
The 53 year old guided Barnsley to their greatest ever achievement back in 1997, when they finished second in Division One and secured promotion to the Premier League for the first, and so far only, time in their history.
Wilson was branded a Judas however in the summer of 1998 when he left Oakwell following relegation and went to local rivals Sheffield Wednesday.
The former Reds midfielder, who first took over the Oakwell hot seat in June 1994, was fired by the Owls less than two years after arriving, in March 2000 with the club second bottom of the Premier League.
Since then Wilson has managed at:
Bristol City, (June 2000-June 2004) He led to the League One Play-Off Final in 2004.
MK Dons, (December 2004- June 2006) When he took over they were second from bottom of League One, six points adrift of safety, but he led them to safety on goal difference that season. However Wilson left at the end of the following season when they suffered relegation to League Two- the same season Barnsley were promoted from League One.
Hartlepool (June 2006- December 2008) Promoted from League Two in second position in his first season in charge, and attained a credible 15th place finish in League One in 2007-2008.
Swindon (December 2008- March 2011) Led Robins to League One Play-Offs in 2010 but left in March 2011 with the side 20th (they eventually finished bottom)
Sheffield United (May 2011- April 2013) Led the Blades to the League One Play-Off final in 2011-2012, where they lost on penalties to Huddersfield. Surprisingly sacked in April of the following year with the side sat fifth.
Barnsley have had 12 permanent managers since Wilson’s departure in 1998, and NONE have had a reign as long as Wilson’s four years.
Another interesting fact is that during Wilson’s four years at the helm they finished in the bottom half of a division just once (the Premier League season), in the 15 years since his departure they have managed to finish in the top half just three times (1999-2000, 2003-2004, 2005-2006)
Wilson, who won his first game as Barnsley manager back in 1994 (2-1 v Derby) faces a baptism of fire second time around with a white hot Yorkshire derby at in--form Leeds United on Saturday. Wilson faced Leeds twice as Barnsley boss in the 1997-1998 season, losing 3-2 at home, after leading 2-0, and 2-1 away.
Source: TykesMAD
Source: FOOTYMAD
