Simon Davey believes Barnsley's relegation escape could be crucial in holding on to inspirational 14-goal captain Brian Howard. The midfielder, a hero of Barnsley's run to the FA Cup semi-finals, took a back seat for once as Jamal Campbell-Ryce stole the show against his former club to secure Championship status.

Holding on to Howard, now a realistic prospect despite much Premier League interest, is key to manager Davey's ambition of securing a much firmer foothold in the Championship next season.

Had they been relegated, the £5million-rated midfielder would have inevitably departed. The Barnsley boss said: "Financially, it would have crippled us to go down and perhaps now we can keep our better players.

"It's crucial for a club like ours to stay in this division. We've got good players and good players want to play at the highest level. It's important to keep all of them, not just Brian."

The key men include Brazilian Dennis Souza, outstanding at the back, Spaniard Diego Leon and former Premier League striker Jon Macken, whose eighth goal of the season sealed this win. Campbell- Ryce set the tone with a well-struck early goal and continued to pepper Charlton with shots.

Lewin Nyatanga cashed in on the pressure to head Barnsley's second. Charlton's most creative player was 16-year-old midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, who drove the team forward and helped create a string of chances.

The visitors were culpable, too, not least centre back Madjid Bougherra, who was hauled off at half-time. Manager Alan Pardew said:

"His wife is expecting a baby and I didn't think he was mentally right out there. Perhaps I shouldn't have played him."

Source Daily Mail

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