Barnsley are open to the idea of bringing back former loanee Max Watters to the club with the striker set to leave Cardiff City, according to journalist Darren Witcoop on Twitter.
Watters, who scored four goals whilst on loan at Oakwell last campaign, is still in contention for a return to the Tykes even with Barnsley changing managers in recent weeks from Michael Duff to Neill Collins.
The 24-year-old striker will hope he can move away from the Cardiff City Stadium soon, the striker only managing one solitary strike for the Bluebirds since joining the Welsh club in 2021.
Who Is Max Watters?
Before his big move to Cardiff City, Watters began his footballing career on the non-league scene.
Brief spells with Thurrock and Barking started his career before his time with Ashford United really started to attract suitors from the EFL, the 24-year-old netting eight goals with the Kent club.
Doncaster Rovers would swoop for the striker next, but Watters would fail to impress in South Yorkshire – netting zero goals for Donny.
A number of loan moves away from Doncaster would see Watters play non-league football again, but Watters would not get a chance in the Rovers set-up to impress again after playing for the likes of Grantham Town and Gainsborough Trinity – released by Donny at the end of the 2019-20 season.
This could have been viewed as a major setback at the time for the attacker. However, in spite of his torrid time at Rovers, his next move would prove to be the most successful one of his career to date.
In just fifteen games at Crawley Town, Watters would blow League Two defences out of the water. The former Red Devils forward would net thirteen goals for the West Sussex outfit, scoring his final goal for Crawley in a 2-1 away victory at Leyton Orient.
His blistering form in the fourth tier would alert Cardiff City all the way up in the Championship. Again though, Watters would fail to reignite his Crawley magic in Wales to the dismay of Cardiff fans.
Back in South Yorkshire with Barnsley on loan from the Bluebirds last campaign, Watters did show glimpses of his best.
His most notable goal for the Tykes came against Sheffield Wednesday, netting a late goal for Michael Duff’s men against the eventual playoff winners to win an enthralling contest between near neighbours 4-2.
Now, it seems Watters might well be relocating back to Barnsley permanently if rumours are true.
The Appointment of Neill Collins
With Michael Duff’s exit to Swansea known to those with Barnsley loyalties for some time, it was all up in the air as to who Duff’s replacement would be.
The Tykes hierarchy have arguably gone for a left-field appointment to replace their popular outgoing boss, Barnsley appointing Neill Collins from Tampa Bay Rowdies.
Collins isn’t a stranger to the area, the 39-year-old played at nearby Sheffield United before taking up football management in Florida.
He’ll have a tough job on his hands, Michael Duff galvanising the Tykes effectively last season after relegation.
He would lead them to a League One Playoff Final, only beaten at the death in extra-time.
Collins will hope that potential signings such as Max Watters could well get fans on side, new additions that will hopefully succeed under the Scotsman.
Writer’s View
Max Watters’ career to date has been very up and down, notable goal-laden spells have then been followed by barren patches elsewhere.
It’s no surprise that Cardiff are trying to offload the 24-year-old, Watters has only managed one goal in his entire time at the Bluebirds.
Barnsley seem to be interested in bringing Watters back to the club but it remains to be seen whether or not the ex Crawley man can get back to his best if he does pull on a Tykes strip next campaign.
