“Barnsley is in my heart”, exclusive interview with former Barnsley midfielder Hugo Colace

A name that will be fondly remembered by Barnsley FC fans Argentine Hugo Colace quickly became a fan favourite in his successful three-year spell with The Tykes.

A decade on from his departure from the Reds the 37-year-old still holds a very special place in his heart for the South Yorkshire team.

I was fortunate enough to interview the former Argentina under-20 international, and we discussed a handful of different topics, such as his managerial career and his near return to Oakwell in 2015:

What are your earliest footballing memories?

“At 15 years old I went to play with the Argentina under 15 national team against England at Wembley.”

Did you always want to be a footballer?

“As a child I never had any other toy than a Football.”

You represented Argentina at under 20 level in the Fifa World Youth Championship, and captained a side that included Messi, Mascherano and Tevez. What were they like as youngsters? Did you think they’d go on to become superstars?

“In the youth national team I lived with Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano for six wonderful years! And then there was Messi! These are players who were born different.”

You joined Barnsley in 2008 signing from Newell’s Old Boys, how much did you know about Barnsley? Were you keen to join an English team?

“From Argentina I knew very little about Barnsley, I agreed to go because my dream was always playing in England.”

You had a very successful spell at Barnsley between 2008 and 2011, what was your best memory?

“My best footballing moment came in Barnsley. I was elected player of the year, and fulfilled my dream. Barnsley is in my heart.”

Were you close to joining Crystal Palace?

“Yes, in 2010 I was about to sign for Crystal Palace, I was even at a hotel in London meeting with the coach it was two days gone and then I decided to go back to Barnsley because that’s where I felt it was my place in the world.”

How close were you to re-joining Barnsley in 2015 when you had a trial?

“In 2015 I came back at Patrick Cryne’s request and unfortunately Lee Johnson was the coach, who is almost my age so they didn’t sign me.”

You’re now the manager of Bangor City in Wales after a spell in your playing career there. How did that come about? Would you like to manage at a higher level in the future?

“I went to Bangor as a player and played to the pandemic. I then got a proposal from the president (Domenico Serafino) to be the head coach, I decided to because I trust I can grow in this club. After I achieve my goals I’d like to return to Barnsley.”

A popular player with the faithful at Oakwell it’s clear to see Colace still has a very deep love and bond for the South Yorkshire team. I’d like to thank him for taking the time to answer the questions.

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