Jamie Shackleton and Leeds fans react as Liam Kitching moves to Barnsley

Liam Kitching has completed a move to join Championship side Barnsley from League Two side Forest Green Rovers this month – prompting reaction from Leeds United supporters and Jamie Shackleton on Instagram.

Kitching, 21, nabbed a move to Gloucestershire-based side Forest Green in the summer of 2019 after starring for Yorkshire outfit Harrogate on loan from Leeds during 2018-19. He had a hand in seven goals during his 34 games.

He moved to Forest Green and has since remained first choice, playing on the left side of the defence or at centre-back and clocking up 53 appearances for Mark Cooper’s men. His form has caught the attention of Barnsley.

Indeed, Barnsley have chosen to bring the Harrogate-born defender back to Yorkshire – a big step up for Kitching which sees him jump two divisions and into the Championship. Kitching posted his delight on Twitter.

Really excited for my next challenge. Looking forward to meeting the lads and getting underway! Thanks to the reds fans for the warm welcome!❤️🙌🏼 https://t.co/3usQGyzNzV

— Liam Kitching (@Liamkitching48) January 5, 2021

Kitching never made a senior appearance for Leeds but did appear on the bench during the FA Cup third round defeat to Newport County in January 2018 – a Newport side that included a certain Ben White.

Jamie Shackleton applauded Kitching for the move on Instagram, which sees Kitching join ex-Leeds star Alex Mowatt – who remains captain of the Tykes. Mark Jackson also responded, as did plenty of Leeds supporters.

Well done Kitch 👍🏻⚽️

— Mark Jackson (@jacko55555) January 5, 2021

Yes @Liamkitching48 lad 👏🏼 well deserved my man! https://t.co/9KcK7f8FJj

— Ben Parker (@ben_parker19) January 5, 2021

Good luck wish we kept you at Leeds

— Ryan Aston (@leedsmania) January 5, 2021

Good luck Liam. Bit closer to home 😉 https://t.co/42D5UxbYNU

— Mike Sunley (@4everrail) January 6, 2021

Good luck and welcome back to Yorkshire

MOT

— All White Al (@All_White_Al) January 5, 2021

Good luck to you at Barnsley, Liam. [email protected] #LUFC fan.

— Clinical “Sniffer” Clarke (@TheHardMan21) January 5, 2021

Hadn't been playing for FGR while there was rumours of a transfer, always rated him and wanted us to give him more time out on loan but he has been playing first team football for 3 or 4 seasons now, was Caseys cb partner for u18s and he has played no senior football #lufc https://t.co/8mSmXJivyG

— Ryan (@RPlufc93) January 5, 2021

Happy to see this, he’s basically taking the Luke Ayling route back up the leagues, albeit somewhat faster. Good prospect & still wish him the best. #lufc https://t.co/qGEJfoukIh

— Tommy (@tommy_lufc) January 5, 2021