My take (for what it's worth)

I believe in the manager and back him. I can see a definitive change in the club's strategy. I approve of the policy of bringing in young players from lower down in the footballing pyramid. I have enjoyed a great deal of the football played this season. I approve of the present policy of providing the opportunity to blood young players from our Academy. I acknowledge this is a long term policy and that it can create short term problems. I have enjoyed watching the likes of Conor Hourihane, Luke Berry and Sam Winnall. I acknowledge that more can and must be done. I acknowledge that the club is not as high in the table as I thought they'd be. I accept that some of the new signings haven't had the impact I hoped. I accept that the standard of football at times has been dreadful. I accept the form of the young players has fluctuated quite dramatically. I will continue to show patience with the players and manager. I acknowledge I don't have all the answers. I will continue to follow the team during what I perceive to be a transitional period (health permitting). I will continue to purchase a season ticket whilst I am able. I will acknowledge the right of others to be different.
I will not query the right of others to hold an alternative viewpoint. I will not claim they're wrong simply because they hold a different opinion. I will not call into question what they see on the pitch. I will not call into question their knowledge of the game. I will not claim they do not have the right to demand the removal of the manager, coaching staff, owner, CEO, chairman or any player they don't rate. I will not claim I know best. I will not tell others what they can or can't talk about. I will not call into question their honesty or integrity for having the audacity to see things differently to me. I will not use sneering condescension and personal abuse towards others for having the audacity to see things differently. I will not call into question their commitment, passion or love for our club. I will not claim others don't have their right to comment on a subject matter, or that others have a greater right. I will not claim that someone else is not a real, or proper, fan.
And breathe.

 

Yep, I agree with most of that Kev, the only bit where we differ slightly is this:

Happy clappers and Wilson lovers r us.

 

I agree too. The big worry would be if we brought in a new manager who had entirely the opposite view and chucked out all the kids, spending a fortune to 'bring some experience in', only for that to fail too. We'd then be back to square one except a couple of million pound lighter and with no saleable assets. What the club are trying to install now is a long term strategy that should hopefully see us being able to raise money to keep the club going by developing and selling on young players. You don't ditch a long term strategy at the first sign of teething problems. It's going to take a couple of years before it starts working properly, so we have to be patient.

 

Thas been watching too much Big Brother... You are Keith Cheguin i claim my prize..

 

I'll take your word for that, as I've never watched an episode of Big Brother. I could well be Keith Chegwin.

 

As long as you don't go hosting an archeological tv programme with a game show twist... NAKED!!
That bloody Keith chegwin scarred me with that programme....

 

Bugger! You've just totally destroyed all my professional ambitions!

 

It's just like the BBS when we lose.

 

I'll take your word for that.
Do I have to marry Maggie Philbin?

 

No you have to join them in a strange ménage à trois....
With you doing your best Keith chegwin impression and him doing his best big lil....

 

There's quite a big difference in our sizes. Apparently, he's only 5 feet 6 inches,

 

An early contender for 'most sensible post of 2015'

 

The New BBS Constitution is thus written.

 

Fantastic post and I agree with all of it (and I could fall out with myself in a locked room).

 

I respect your opinion Kev but I have to disagree. As I said in another thread, I don't think there is a clear strategy, we're just winging it and hoping something will come good, while using the idea of a plan as a smokescreen while we continue to under perform.

We've sporadically thrown our young players in at the deep end and they disappear for weeks/months on end. We've loaned out one of our young players, got rid of two more and just brought in three premier league youngsters without an appearance between them. Bonkers.

We've brought a youngish striker in from Scotland then given him a one year contract. This has worked in our favour as he is tripe, but what would have happened if he'd bagged 25 goals? We'd have got bugger all for him as he would be available on a free in June. Doesn't sound like a strategy to me.

I could go on but I won't as I'm sure the vast majority will disagree but I'm sure get the gist.

 

A personal question - Is your religion R.C. ?

 

In a nutshell spot on!

 

I both respect and appreciate your viewpoint, too, James. I also believe I ought to be allowed to express my opinions without having to be accused of being an apologist for the manager or the club, being delusional, happy to accept our situation, being unable to understand the club's position both on and off the field. I hold my own interpretation of all things Barnsley Football Club and allow others to do the same, even if it conflicts with mine. Is it really too much to ask for this to be reciprocated?