Watkins, a reported target for Leeds United, confirmed his Barnsley departure on Wednesday.
Barnsley’s Marley Watkins
Barnsley fans have a clear message for Marley Watkins after the winger’s Oakwell departure – don’t sign for Sheffield Wednesday or Leeds United.
Watkins scored 10 goals and created nine in 42 Championship appearances in what was his debut campaign at that level.
But amid reports of interest from a string of clubs in both the second tier and Premier League – including Leeds – Barnsley were unable to tempt Watkins into extending his contract, which expires at the end of next month.
On Wednesday, the 26-year-old took to Twitter to bid farewell to the Tykes’ faithful, who he described as being the best in the country.
And he was inundated with messages afterwards, as fans urged him not to sign for Yorkshire rivals Leeds – or worse still, their neighbours from down the road at Hillsborough.
Sheffield Wednesday’s Sam Winnall
Watkins’ old Oakwell teammate Sam Winnall incurred the wrath of everyone in Barnsley upon leaving Oakwell for Sheffield Wednesday – who Tykes boss Paul Heckingbottom was misquoted as calling “that club” shortly after the striker’s January transfer – and doing likewise would also tarnish Watkins’ reputation in the town.
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