after making an appearance and scoring a goal for forest's reserves on 13 november 2012, on the next day, tudgay signed for barnsley on loan until january with a view to a permanent deal. his first goal for barnsley was the equaliser in a 1–1 draw with burnley on 27 november 2012. his second goal for barnsley came in a 4–1 away defeat at watford on 1 december. his third goal for the club was the winner in a 2–1 win at millwall.