TYKES COMPLETE DOUBLE SWOOP

BARNSLEY have completed a double transfer swoop, signing Bradford City striker Isaiah Rankin and Fulham midfielder Steve Hayward, as new boss Nigel Spackman begins the restructuring of his playing staff at Oakwell.

Having beaten Second Division Bristol Rovers to sign Rankin this week, Spackman turned his attentions to Hayward, who agreed terms with the club on Thursday and completed his move after passing a medical on Friday morning.

Rankin was allowed to leave Valley Parade after Bantams boss Jim Jefferies admitted that the player was unlikely to figure in his plans, and he has agreed to move down to the Nationwide League to help resurrect his career.

Hayward has also fallen out-of-favour at his club, Fulham, making just five appearances for Jean Tigana's side this season, and the 29-year-old has now completed his move north to aid The Tykes' First Division campaign.

Both players will now be available for selection for Barnsley's trip to Burnley at the weekend, where Spackman will be looking for his side to increase the gap between themselves and the relegation battle and begin their climb up the table.