'I would have liked' - David McGoldrick lifts lid on Barnsley FC exit after Mansfield Town move
David McGoldrick has lifted the lid on his move from Barnsley to Mansfield Town
David McGoldrick has insisted he would have liked “more clarity” over his Barnsley future following his move to Mansfield Town.
The 38-year-old was a key figure for the Reds last term, registering 18 goals across 41 appearances in all competitions.
He was only tied to a one-year deal and in May, when the club published their retained list, they described contract renewal talks with the frontman as ‘ongoing’.
An agreement was not reached and McGoldrick was snapped up by Barnsley’s League One counterparts Mansfield in June.
David McGoldrick on Barnsley exit
The veteran forward told BBC Radio Sheffield: “[There was] nothing in paper, but I get it to an extent, because they’re going through a massive transition period with manager and players.
“It wasn’t meant to be. I would have liked it to have been done better, with a bit more clarity, but it is what it is, it's football.
“There's so many stories and players get seen as just jumping ship, but it wasn't that. I just had to sort my future out as soon as possible.”
‘Wasn’t mean to be’
McGoldrick, who counts Sheffield United among his former clubs, managed to make his mark at Oakwell despite the brief nature of his time there.
His technical prowess and eye for goal made him a hit with supporters, many of whom were disappointed to see the marksman move on.
He said: “I enjoyed my time so much there. The fans took to me. It was tough at times at the start, not getting the games, which was fine. I put that down to myself as well. That wasn’t down to anyone, that was down to myself.
“It's just wasn’t meant to be. I know there was a big change in the summer in terms of players, in terms of the manager change.
“I think me being out of contract and there not being a manager was a tough situation, so I had to get my future sorted. I'm no spring chicken, so when contracts come your way, you have to kind of take them. It wasn't meant to be at Barnsley, but I wish them nothing but the best, because they treated me so well, the fans did.”