Dugout is a bit disappointed that there is no match to look forward to this weekend – with the super Reds already out of the FA Cup.

But at least there is the little matter of a match-up with Derby County – and a reunion with a certain Jason Shackell – to look forward to at Oakwell on Tuesday night.

It might be a bit parky down at the 'Well by then though, with the weather people predicting a bit of a cold snap arriving in these parts over the next few days.

Reds boss Keith Hill commented that last Saturday's game with Millwall lacked a bit of atmosphere, but felt that the midweek clash with the Rams would be better.

I'm sure he's right. And the Oakwell Club's pitchside announcer will certainly be doing his bit to raise the roof.

Dave Clayton (pictured) is the man who reads out the teams prior to kick-off, and tries to get the supporters into a vocal mood.

His ''COME ON' cry just before the action begins is deafening.

Dave is a diehard Red. He followed the club home and away for years, before pitching up in his current Oakwell post, suited and booted.

And he can certainly read out the name of Jay McEveley much better than Oakwell gaffer Keith Hill!

Directions to the new Wembley

Dugout was handed a bit of a footballing bonus on Wednesday night.

With the lovely missus feeling a bit tired, and taking herself off to bed, while the teenage daughter was appearing in the opening night of 'Kes' at Birdwell's Academy Theatre, Dugout settled back to a double bill.

Liverpool were tackling Manchester City in the Carling Cup, semi-final second leg at Anfield, while in Spain there was the El Clasico clash between Barcelona and Real Madrid at the Camp Nou.

Dugout watched the first half of the tie at Anfield, and then kept flicking over between the two matches. In the Spanish game, Lionel Messi was again mesmerising in the way he set up the first Barca goal. 

Indeed, Dugout would now go as far as to say he is the best player he's ever seen, beating another little Argie, Diego 'Hand of God' Maradona. 

But it was Liverpool's overall success over Man City that intrigued Dugout the most. The Merseyside men, having won 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium, drew 2-2 at Anfield to book their place against Cardiff City in the Carling Cup Final.

It is the first final at Wembley that Liverpool have reached for 16 years.

Now don't get me wrong, Liverpool thoroughly deserved to win over two legs. And it was a notable achievement to overcome a side featuring the likes of Joe Hart, Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko, Samir Nasri and David Silva.

But the way the majority of Liverpool supporters have reacted you would think they had won another Champions League Final – or even ended their long drought in the Premier League!

Indeed, there have been some Barnsley fans who have offered their Liverpool counterparts the directions to Wembley.

For the super Reds from Oakwell have been there twice since Liverpool last visited!

A Chinese sushi

Barnsley's next away fixture is at Watford, on Saturday, February 4. Dugout always likes going to Vicarage Road, particularly as it gives him the chance to meet up with good friend Simon Rose, a diehard Hornet.

He got in touch earlier this week, and after a bit of footballing banter, came out with this little nugget:

"My friend's son made sushi at school to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Wonder what the Japanese would make of that? But also what does that say about the teacher that didn't know the difference...."

Talking about football's fighting years

The interest in 'football firms' and the old hooligans shows no sign of abating.

Books and films have poured forth in recent years. Some have been sell-outs.

Is it simply glorifying something that should be abhorred? Or is it something that society can learn from?

Dugout has noticed that on Friday, February 24, at Brooklands Hotel, Dodworth, there is 'An Evening with Cass Pennant', the former member of West Ham United's notorious hooligan firm the ICF (Inter-City Firm).

A film was recently released depicting Pennant's life story, and involvement with the ICF, and he is now recognised as a best-selling author on the subject of the old hooligan days. A bad boy turned good? Mmm....

Yet there is no doubt that tickets for the event, which also has former boxer Joe Egan on the bill, have been selling well. Interest is high.

Is it simply glorifying something that should be abhorred? Or is it something that society can learn from?  It's quite a debate.....

Bayern's blunder

Football Clubs all over the world recognise the importance of new technology and social media, tools that they can utilise to speak to their loyal supporters.

But German giants Bayern Munich went a bit too far.

The Bundesliga club claimed 'a spectacular name' would be signing for them on Thursday, but it ended up provoking an angry response from their fans when it was found to be a marketing stunt.

The German club attempted to gain interest in their new marketing tool – an app – by creating a huge wave of speculation over who the new signing would be.

Fans were invited to log on and watch the deal unfurl on their official Facebook page, but felt badly let down when general manager Christian Nerlinger revealed an envelope with the users' own Facebook profile pictures on it! 

In addition, the users also saw their own name appear on the back of a Bayern Munich No. 8 shirt.

"Dear fans, you probably already noticed, that we did not sign a new player," a statement on Bayern Munich's Facebook page read. "This app is for our fans to show the importance of you for our club. 

"Every single FCB fan is the 'spectacular new signing,' our 12th man!", announced the club on their official site later.

However, within minutes, an angry backlash from Bayern fans appeared as over 3,000 users (and climbing) accused the club of wasting their time and getting their hopes up for nothing.

A bit of a blunder there.....