There are potentially exciting times ahead for Barnsley after the clubs recent takeover was announced, however the immediate concerns will be about keeping the side in the Championship.

A disastrous run over the past month or so has seen Paul Heckinbottom’s side slide down the table and they are in a precarious position heading into the New Year.

Many connected to the club will hope that the change in ownership will give the manager a lot more freedom in the transfer market to bring some much-needed quality to Oakwell.

Over recent windows Heckingbottom has had to rely on young players who were predominantly signed from lower league clubs.

And, the upcoming window could be the biggest challenge he faces in order to keep Barnsley in the division.

Whilst he will have his eye on a lot of arrivals coming to the club, the manager will also have to clear a few players out in order to get a balanced squad.

Here we look at two players who should be shown the door in January.

Gary Gardner

The midfielder joined on loan from Aston Villa in the summer but the move hasn’t worked out.

Gardner has played six league games for the Tykes and their record with him in the team is awful, with no wins, two draws and four defeats.

Even though he was highly regarded as a youngster, the 25-year old hasn’t kicked on and doesn’t look as though he will at Oakwell.

Ike Ugbo

Another loan signing that Barnsley need to send back is Ugbo. The Chelsea youngster arrived with much expected but has seriously failed to deliver.

Just one goal from 14 league games tells its own story and it’s an area that Heckingbottom needs to strengthen in January.

With new forwards coming in, Ugbo isn’t going to get a chance and it would be better for Barnsley, Chelsea and the player if he moved back to the London club.

Thoughts, Barnsley fans? Let us know in the comments below.