STRIKER Neil Shipperley represented Barnsley boss Dave Bassett's major summer investment and the cost of just £700,000 underlined the difference between the haves and have-nots of the First Division.

Bassett, however, went for a man he knew well and hopes to get value for money.

But that will depend on the striker upping his output in scoring terms from last season and, as our Carling Opta statistics show, there is also plenty of room for improvement in other areas of the striker's game as well.

If the manager can do that, then he could have a bargain on his hands.

The first two games of the season, in which Shipperley played 174 of the 180 minutes, clearly showed that a new player needs time to settle.

With Nottingham Forest in the Premiership last season, Shipperley only had one goal to show for his 1,164 minutes of action but his 44 per cent accuracy in goal attempts has still to be reached.

So far, Shipperley has been on target only once from four efforts.

It's a similar story with pass completion, where last season's 75 per cent success rate compares to 63 per cent so far, and crossing even though 1998-99 provided only a modest 20 per cent completion.

In two games this season, he has yet to be successful in the crossing department.

There is every chance, however, that Shipperley can improve significantly on his dribbling (25 per cent success last season), where he has made a good start. And, in a short time, the defensive side of his game has also shown up well, compared to 1998-99's 48 per cent success rate.

Shipperley could be an important figure for Bassett this season, as the manager knows he is competing against clubs with greater resources.

Having achieved promotion three times with Wimbledon, twice with Sheffield United and once at Forest, the manager remains realistic but optimistic.

"I know the fans will be wanting me to take then straight up because of my past record but there has to be a sense of realism," he said.

"Barnsley are not as rich as some other clubs and you have to bear in mind there will be some good teams in the division like Blackburn, Charlton, Fulham and possibly Manchester City.

"I want to get promotion, I've got the ambition and desire to succeed again in the Premier League."

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