Ben Mansford

Said on Radio Sheffield when questioned about Fryatt and Billy Sharpe that it wouldn't be fair to name players but some high profile strikers had been in talks and in some cases agreed financial packages.He feels such players are waiting until the last minute of the window to make there minds up.

 

Interesting that it was Mansford who brought them up first, so I'm guessing he has spoke to them.

 

Ben Mansford interview here...

https://audioboo.fm/boos/1558765-ba...igning-of-marcus-pedersen-from-vitesse-arnhem

 

Re: Ben Mansford interview here...

Ben Mansford communicates extremely well and he's helped to deliver some good signings, particularly Marcus Pedersen (a full international).

I sincerely hope he starts to improve our off-the-field activities......I haven't seen much evidence of this yet, albeit early days. Would be good if we knew what the basic plans were?

 

Re: Ben Mansford interview here...

Got to agree. He has made a great start to his role. I'm more concerned short term that they get things right ON the pitch, and trust that Ben and Mo will get things improved off it.

The guy is clearly switched on, great communicator, and knows what he's trying to do.

Still excited for the season. Add Jennings, RNL, Cranie, Nyatanga, Pederson into the mix, it could make a huge difference to results. I hope so. Fingers crossed Jennings and Pederson fire. Could be awesome.

 

Re: Ben Mansford interview here...

Ben was kind enough to respond to an email I sent him last week, don't want to copy and paste the whole thing on to here without asking if it is OK to do so but the main points he got back to me on were:

I made the point that Oakwell isn't a particularly welcoming environment for kids/families and suggested a completely sectioned off area for these groups to go, I also made the point that the 'Matchday Experience' hasn't improved - He said he is looking to improve this bit by bit but doesn't have control over everything at the moment but expects to in the future. Also as we know he is having to work with things that Don already had in place for this season.

Third-parties control a number of areas of Oakwell under contract, I believe he was referring to a point I made about Lindleys in saying that he can't interfere with this unless they are in clear breach of any agreements that are already in place.

Said the concourse TV and scoreboard issues would hopefully be sorted by the new year.

I had suggested that tickets for the Southampton game were made 'ridiculously cheap', he confirmed that the same pricing as the S****horpe game would be in place with kids for a quid etc - which is fair enough.

I would imagine his time has all been taken up with chasing transfer/loan deals that haven't come off so I'd expect once the window shuts the off the field stuff with be a bigger priority, I know the early league table is only really a form table more than anything but we could do with being at least in the middle of it by the time September comes.

 

Re: Ben Mansford interview here...

He did also state in Saturday's programme there should be news on the scoreboard etc shortly.

 

Re: Ben Mansford interview here...

Yeah he did mention it at the season ticket holders evening as well so I'm sure it's in the pipeline, I'm obviously more concerned about how we get on on the pitch but I do think the scoreboard is becoming a bit of an embarrassment and I'd be disappointed if we didn't have a modern big screen in it's place in the next couple of months - after all these are commonplace in the Championship now, seen them at most of the away grounds I've been to over the last few years.

 

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I would like to see a supporters club within the ground.

I've said it on earlier posts, Blackpool have one built into their stand and sectioned off.......it's just basic stuff.....painted concrete block work, memorabilia, bar, snacks, flags allowed, kids allowed, etc. A perfect place to have a couple of jars and get ready for the game.

We have the space and I don't believe this would "break the bank".

Ben if you're reading......take note.

 

Seems like a good bloke. Comes across very well and is a breath of fresh air.

Like the way how he's talking about a changing momentum and the fact we have agreed financial packages and players are waiting to decide their future, which you can understand.

 

Preedy's is only for those prepared to stump up an extravagant membership fee and is also too small. Pasta's talking about a proper supporters club like we used to have back in the 80's. It was absolutely rammed every Saturday prior to the game and had a proper bar, seating etc.

 

How much is the membership fee for preedy's?

 

id wager preedys is as big as the old supporters club.

 

You may well be right, I was just going on what it looks like from the outside. Could be like a Tardis inside.

 

Simon - correct.

"Good business is simple business"......advice given to me a long time ago and served me well in my career thus far.

Which means if I was Ben Mansford, update and extend Preedys or build a new "no frills" supporters pub. Membership should simply be Season Ticket and if you are a match day ticket supporter, just charge a nominal entry fee (extracting kudos by then giving this to charity or Barnsley community projects).

It's not rocket science, wouldn't cost a lot of money and would create interest and cash for BFC.

 

I like the sound of that, mate. Good idea.

 

Re: Ben Mansford interview here...

I think there's a lot of positives so far. Certainly talks a good game and the seemingly efficient way we've conducted our transfer activity has been pleasing.

Didn't respond to my email though so loses a mark there. Crying in my Bovril here....

 

Whats the drinks prices like in there and does it get many folk in? Also can you go in after the game or is it just prior to the games?