Barnsley's statement regarding Conor Hourihane's departure from the club disclosed that the Corkman had pushed for a move this month. Hourihane felt a move to Aston Villa was the right one to further his career. His contract up this summer, Barnsley thought the right decision was to cash in now rather than lose the player for nothing during the summer.
It's a measure of Hourihane's popularity in south Yorkshire that the club - despite his pushing to leave - had a tribute to the midfielder ready and waiting to go with the announcement of what is reported to be a £3 million deal.
The 25-year-old spent two-and-a-half years at the club after joining from Plymouth. He helped them to promotion and the Johnstone Paint Trophy last season.
In total, he banged in 31 goals for Barnsley - and we really mean banged. It's rare that Hourihane scores a goal which is not aesthetically pleasing.
The last two he scored for Barnsley, also the last two to feature in the tribute, were glorious winners against Nottingham Forest and Leeds. The latter one, Hourihane particularly enjoyed - 'It was fitting that in my last game for the Club I scored in a superb win over local rivals Leeds United. I certainly enjoyed that one and it feels like I am leaving on an incredible high.'
