Some People On Here

We (WSB) came up with loads of ideas and were going to approach the club last pre-season. But then found out the BFCST had been 'commissioned' to
do a report on other clubs that'd cracked it like Sunderland, Cardiff to name but two. So we didn't approach the club as I saw their research first hand and it was mightily impressive.

As far as I'm aware nothing has ever happened !

 

I would rather us go back to being a genuine e community focused, community based club then continue our half arsed attempts to be a 'business' . There are massive areas for improvement. From the composition of the board which should have some genuine supporter involvement to the organisation of all aspects of the commercial operations which need to look after and develop their supporters rather than treating them as disdainful consumers. The club used to be run pretty perfectly with genuine committed individuals in key posts. Administration destroyed the fabric that it had taken many years to develop. We have never recovered. We are a shadow of the club that we were. This is the thing that needs addressing the deep malaise we find ourselves in.

I understand the need to maximise and consolidate income in the post administration years. But it was achieved through a franchising system that basically ripped the fabric of the clubs to shreds. Ewe seem on a more even keel now so it's time to address these fundamental decisions the balance of moving the club forward and reinstating its roots in the community it represents and is representative of.

It seems more important to some of us to address these fundamental issues rather than some of the more prosaic things mentioned. It doesn't mean that the prosaic things such as a new scoreboard, better catering etc are not important just that until we have the basics right it's difficult to see that rest will follow. The players work in the community last season was a Great Leap Forward as would be going round the schools offering free tickets on a rotational basis.

The original post seems to mistake a gentle cynicism for apathy.

A genuine space to run a supporters bar would be a fantastic start (not to denigrate the guys that run Redfearns they do a grand job) it's just a very poor space for them to do it in. A campaign to get people involved in sprucing up the ground would be a great idea and successful as would a mural. A statue of Tommy Taylor at the ground. A stand named after Norman Rimmington. Consultation with fan groups about the need/desire for safe standing.

Onwards and Upwards.

 

Tommy Taylor was a great Barnsley man. But he's not a great Barnsley FC player. He's a great Man Utd player. 44 games for us isn't enough to earn that accolade. He belongs to our town, but not our club.

I know that wasn't your point, but the idea of a Tommy Taylor statue at Oakwell has been gathering momentum for many years now. I'd be all for our town commemorating him, but the club he belonged to already has a statue of him outside their ground, at Old Trafford. There's no reason our club can't recognise his achievements too in some way, along with many other former players, but a statue at Oakwell should be a Barnsley FC hero who played considerably more than 44 games.

However good Tommy Taylor was, and there's no doubt he was fantastic, there have been many other players that have done much more for our small club.

We should be proud that Tommy Taylor came from Barnsley. Proud that he is so well thought of at one of the biggest clubs in the world. But celebrate a different player who gave his best for Barnsley FC, wherever he may have come from.

 

A statue of Redders would be a good shout.

 

I take the point and agree. TT I just picked at random. It's about celebrating our history. Could be anyone really Big Eric, king Ronnie, Big Mick, Redders, Darren Foreman.

 

The only choice for a statue is Harry Tufnell.

 

I'm not sure it's apathy or cynicism Jim. Some people don't see the benefits in certain incentives because it doesn't interest/appeal to them. There are lots of things I would like to see the club do that wouldn't really change my match day experience but it would for many others and possibly (hopefully?!) people not currently making the weekly pilgrimage to Oakwell.

Whether we like it or not football is becoming increasingly slick/corporate/professional and we have to follow suit or we will be left behind. Many of us - yourself included - have been to numerous away grounds and seen clubs do things much better than we have and that irks me to be honest.

 

If we were going to have a statue, Redfearn would get my vote.

338 appearances in his 7 seasons at Barnsley. That's an average of 48 a season, which means he barely missed a game in our time with us. 981 professional games (only 45 of which were sub appearances) in a playing career that spanned 23 seasons. That's an average of 43 games per season for over two decades! He was a first choice at every club he signed for.

84 goals for Barnsley from central midfield, 1 every 4 games, which averages out at 12 per season for 7 seasons. 189 goals in his professional career, 1 in every 5 games, 11 per year for 23 years. Played and scored goals in each of the four divisions.

Captain and leading goalscorer in our promotion season to the Premier League. Captain and leading goalscorer in Barnsley's only season in the Premier League. Scored Barnsley's first ever goal in the Premier League. Scored the goal to secure Barnsley's first ever victory in the Premier League. Sold for £1 million at a profit of £850,000.

We can argue all day about who was our best ever player, but you'd be hard pressed to find a player who gave more to our club and led us to such great success.

 

Not Robert Glenddening? Controversial.

 

When you see the stats in writing you'd be hard pressed to find anybody who didn't agree that they are pretty damned amazing.

He may not have been the 'best' player to pull on a reds shirt but in my opinion he was the greatest. The vote a couple of years ago showed that many agreed.

Note to Ben: statue of Redders please.

 

Statue? Has to be Rimmo or Winnie. Both served the club in numerous roles from player to manager.

If we are talking legends, these two are, imho, the only ones who stand out.

 

If I just had to choose one it would be Rimmo for me,

 

Patrick Cryne for me he saved the club and year after year pumped his own money into the club and still dose, if we want a statue it should be of him.

 

George Utley. From Elsecar, only BFC player to represent England. Also played input 2 FA Cup finals

 

He only pumps his money in due to poor financial management under him doesn't he?

 

Marin Luther King-eque that

 

The club have numerous short comings best avoided by deflecting blame onto the fans...

Worst in country for arrests....

Abusing players on train

Abusing chairmabs son

Loads of banning orders

Cant do owt until a minority of the crowd behave....

Etc.

 

Unfortunately, I think you have a valid point.

 

Dont worry though someone in the supporters trust will be along soon to say otherwise

 

I've always wanted a statue outside the entrance to the training ground/academy, and felt that Tommy Taylor would have been ideal (or Stonesy now) for that, being a Barnsley lad who we produced who went on to achieve great things in his short time on planet earth. And then a statue outside the box office or summat, Redders obviously. You could have another round the East Stand area, take your pick which player. And one of Ashley Ward near the away end seeing as his transfer paid for it..


I'd like this picture of Redders to be the one used for the statue.