I don't think we learned anything at all today

We already knew that when it's easy we can play, that we're a threat from set pieces & that Winnall & Hourihane in the same side will cause problems for teams.

However, it should bring some confidence that we've got a good core of players that with some help and balance in a squad should do ok next year. I really hope we show some faith and keep that back 5 together - would be really disappointed if Smith and Bree particularly are pushed out from the full back positions through signings.

Biggest thing though was just how big an opportunity we've got to incorporate the likes of Maris/Digby/Oates next year with Abbott/Cowgill still on the bench. Happily keep them all around.

Expect us to sign:

1 goalkeeper if Turnbull is crocked
2 centre halves
1 RB
1 LB
3 wingers
2 strikers

Oh, and I met John Stones. The hero.

 

I honestly think that we only need an experienced centre back (squad member), a backup left back, a striker who offers us something different (would sign ibehre) and players who will run with the ball in midfield 3 of them, one for each wing and one for through the middle. Supplemented by the next batch of youngsters I think that would be a very good squad for next season.

 

We did!!!


We learnt Keith Hill is still a **** fuc£ing manager.

 

I thought we learned:

Smith can take a man on
Digby might just fulfil his potential
Scowen can play in the hole as well as deeper and out wide (and probably everywhere else for that matter)
A kids game is much better half time entertainment than a penalty shootout with kids that struggle to kick the ball and a goalkeeper that struggles to see it
We have a new physio who is easy on the eye

Did Stones have anything interesting to say?

 

We already knew that.

 

I have not attended many games this term...but agree from what I have seen

I do not need to take my shoes and socks off to count up the games I have attended. However I have taken the time to listen almost all on 'Player' and also watched as much footage of our games as possible. From that I do believe we are still a work in progress and that we need one or two new faces. I am not sure if we will go up next season or indeed get in the play offs. But as some have said ,on here, we have the foundation of a very very good team. But the key is to put down a blueprint... and bloody stick to it. I watched the Football league show this morning on 'catch up TV'... cannot remember which team it was right now, but it was said that they laid down a 3 ..yes THREE year plan to achieve a goal... AND THEY STUCK TO IT... and it was said that goal was achieved right on schedule. Its time we stopped our manager 'Merry go Round' and committed to one man... we have already had people on here doubting Mr Jones... and even suggesting a change. Too young... too inexperienced. I will ask them if the have heard of a certain Mr Howe at Bournemouth or a Mr Monk at Swansea. I would have said a certain bloke at Bury ... but that would never get past them would it.

 

But Barnsley fans still bum him

 

Some might but most of us think he's a knob.

 

LJ reckons he learnt something, but sounds like all his decisions on current players was made a couple of weeks ago. Was a great opportunity though to see 6 of our young uns play to their true potential.

 

I think it's to supplement what we have mate - we've seen this year that a lack of back up caused us problems when key lads dropped out, no cover for Smith is a worry & I get the feeling he doesn't fancy Williams at Right Back too.

I think 1 of the centre halves will be Nyatanga, I'd expect Holgate to be used there too so maybe one other experienced lad in. We know we need wingers & same for cover for Winnall.

Considering we're likely to see Hemmings/Cranie/BFJ leaving we're only covering what's really going.

And he's a good lad that Dyson. Lovely nose.

 

I do. I think we learned that Oates could well be capable of playing up front in this division. If he was asked to go out there and prove himself, he did. He took his chance and should be offered a contract.

We also learned that we have a back four, 3/4 of whom are from our academy, who look pretty decent and we don't require replacements, just a bit of cover and competition.