Surely the summer is the time for a a footballer to have a break? Didnt he complete that big Cycle Ride for his sister's Charity??
Whatever's going on, physical or mental, Hecky made Angus captain because he saw certain qualities in him more than just the fact he was sticking around the club after the summer exodus. We're lapping up the Pinnock-Lindsay axis at the moment, and rightfully so, but all it takes is serious injury or suspension to one of them for Angus' fitness and regaining of form to become vital to our survival effort. Even before then, with Jackson also out it's essential that Angus is pushing them for a starting berth - we don't want the same 'uncontested' situation at CH as we have already bemoan with the goalie spot - and what better pressure to perform is there than having the club captain breathing down your neck? Angus has shown exemplary professionalism representing the club on and off the pitch, whatever his form this season, so until an obvious candidate stands up (if Yids stays or we sign Gardner?) I'd keep it as is.
The exact nature of Angus's injury/illness is obviously private and up to the club/player to decide what is made public, but there was a lot of speculation around the supporters in our area of the Ponty End yesterday. What I don't understand is the benefit of anyone giving any sort of derigotary label about any of the players, be that related to their form, injury ,illness whatever. It's different to having a moan about a bad day on the pitch, or a mistake I think. But we know a fully fit and healthy Angus is an asset to BFC and whatever is behind his loss of form on the pitch, it makes more sense to me to get behind him and support him than to give out destructive criticism or remarks. You're right though, in general I think Mental Illness (and like you, not saying Angus has this, I've heard speculation and nothing more) is poorly understood and poorly supported. I've no shame in sharing that this year, aged 43, I sought help for what would probably be described in the media as a "stress related illness" and maybe acute depression. Purely a consequence of a tough year with family illnesses, work challenges, bit of perfect storm. Both my employer and GP have been fantastic and it's been a massive help to have interacted with local mental health services. But I'm acutely aware of how things can change very quickly, self confidence gets knocked etc. One of the worst insults is to tell someone who is ill to "grow a pair", or "man up". There's a lesson in life I think, none of us know what is behind the "front" that people show each and every day. And because of that, always pays to think before we speak, write or post. I'm a simple human, so is Gus. Another angle on this, Rodger Wylde disclosed in his autobiography that in the 80s he was, as stated by the club, out for several months with a "pelvic injury". The reality was that he was fighting testicular cancer. Speculation is always going to be there.
Top post, showing a very clear understanding of the issues involved. Seriously hope you're coping well now with the support you've received and admire you greatly for your openness. You never know the journey that someone is on until you step into their shoes. All the best x
One season wonder unfortunately, you see it happen with players all the time, the ego grows with the bank balance and the training and fitness standards drop
Well you are the font of all knowledge & I am sure you will be in the know , but it does not stop you from having an unnecessary dig at the lad & as for spreading rumours , that was not my intention , I only passed on what I was told yesterday & that is what we all do on here , we share info so make of it what you like
Genuinely don’t see how people can absolutely hammer Moncur for lack of effort on here without a word said but I’m not allowed to give my opinion on Macdonald for what I perceived to be a lack of effort and professionalism.
what an appalling thread - posters giving opinions about something they know nothing about - a player is sidelined - the reason why has nothing to do with any of us. Let's wish Angus Macdonald well and then mind our own business.
Personally, I hope Angus can rediscover his form from last season and, along with Adam Jackson returning to fitness, help give Hecky an excellent selection problem when picking his central defenders. The form of Pinnock & Lindsay in our recent league games means the standards have been set at a high level. If this is done, it can only benefit Barnsley Football Club.
“Mind our own business” - four words that can never be associated with a lot of posters on here. I wouldn’t dream of commenting on a player’s personal life or health issues. These things are none of my business. What a pity that others see it differently.
Yeah but he gets lots of attention and is in a constant state of arousal when people constantly pat him on the back !
Whoever’s “spreading” these rumours re MacDonald are absolutely out of order. As RAC has said, the Club’s position is that he was out injured and then out with a virus and that his current absence is either related to the aforementioned or performance related. I find it absolutely incredible that people are discussing other issues without anything being suggested or discussed by MacDonald or the Club.