Exactly, while they were winning promotion to the PL, we were fighting for survival – not just relegation, but the very existence of the club. Fair enough to feel fortunate of our position now, but I don't feel TOO sorry for Barnsley.
They've already been IN the Premier League – promoted in 1997. Granted it was in a slightly different era to now – with FAR more money at stake – but at least they've had a shot.
Loads of clubs don't have financial backers with deep pockets. Maybe they players were sold to keep them afloat...