If you were Struber's agent

And you knew what you know as a Barnsley fan, ie the strength of the current squad, the recruitment policy and the rigidity of that policy, and our sales policy, never officially documented, but we all know if an offer is tabled that returns a profit we will accept regardless of contract remaining, would you advise him to take the job?

I'm assuming the contract we've offered is in excess of that at his previous club, but I doubt it's a life changing amount, we simply don't have that kind of money and even if we did we'd be foolish to pay life changing amounts to relatively inexperienced managers.

Struber is here because of the opportunity it offers him. Is it a good opportunity? No right answers, just interested in opinions.

I don't think I would if I believed in my client.

 

He's had some success in his homeland to the point where I've fallen over the number of pundits and experts on social media who've labelled him as a great coach. He's so well regarded in Austria and Germany by all accounts. Very well thought of. So I'd assume that if it goes Pete Tong here with us, he'd still get a decent job back home. So it's a no brainer for him, is it not?

If he keeps Barnsley up it will be seen as a massive achievement and his stock rises even further.

He's also, as you pointed out, probably earning a fair old wedge compared to previously.


Whilst you're here, may I ask if you've got round to compiling a report yet on the fan engagement meeting? No hassle, I was just very interested in your thoughts on the evening.

 

I think arrogance runs through the DNA of football managers. They all believe that they can turn around clubs in turmoil or turn troubled players into world beaters.

I believe that the championship is the fifth best league in Europe so if our new manager can keep us up and make a real impact next season then it could well be the springboard to better things.

Do I think he can succeed with us under the restraints you describe? I'm very sceptical. Does he think he can? I have no doubt whatsoever that he is brimming with confidence in his ability to do so.

 

Agents are agents. If these agents have more Austrian players on their books, despite the conflict of interest most would see, they may see a very helpful opportunity to place more young Austrian players into the English game. Either with us, or other contacts they then develop.

Aside from that, until people experience things, its very difficult for them to know. Nice fans were damning of their ex owners. Oldham fans were critical of Johnsons play style. And so on. I'm sure this new guy will believe he can turn it around and use us as a springboard. Until he gets working with the players and a transfer window or two has bitten him, he's naïve to what can happen under this ownership. I think the agents will likely see a springboard opportunity too and that will equate to fees.

 

If I had morals no. If I was only interested in getting a nice day fee yes

 

If he does a half decent job he'll have much more opportunity at his feet than he would have if he'd stayed at his former club. If he fails he'll probably still get another job in his homeland. That tends to be the way with foreign managers coming over to England.

He'll have doubled, or tripled his money at the very least, on top of a decent signing on fee.

 

He is here for the same reason the players are. They will get their chance to impress and it is a great shop window.

 

Firstly, I didn’t realise he was held in such high esteem back in Germany/Austria. If he is, then you're right it is a no brainer. Well, moving countries and cultures aside. I was coming from the position that this may damage his reputation, but if he could walk back into a job over there...

The report from the fans meeting... I haven't had heating or hot water for three weeks. It's just too cold to sit at the computer and write it. (I'm currently in the pub trying to get warm). Also work has been crazy busy. However, I'm having a new boiler fitted tomorrow and Friday is our works forum in Leeds after one in London a couple of weeks ago so I should get a breather there too. So hopefully this weekend.

 

Agents are interested in just one thing - money. Hes got him a 3 year deal on a good salary. Get sacked and he gets a nice pay off. Do well and it's a stepping stone to greater riches. Agent gets a nice cut either way.

 

strubers agent is the same as Patrick Schmidt so make what you think of it also funny feeling he might have been first choice before Stendel based on what Murphy said

 

Wouldnt bank on the pay off though. Could well get held up with legalities!

 

Sounds like he took over a team in a similar position at his previous club to when Hecky took over from LJ. Interesting times ahead.

 

Sorry to hear that. Been through similar myself some years ago and in winter like yourself. It seems like me you've also taken to heading to the pub to warm up! Good work.

I look forward to reading the report based on your snippets previously and knowing the frame of mind in which you entered the meeting.

And I was about as wise as anyone else on this new Austrian coach but everything I've read is super positive and from so many outlets. I don't know if it means much in terms of this role because I think we all agree our club and its philosophy is very unique/brave/bizarre/barmy. Excited though to see how he attacks it. Teaching players to defend crosses and set-plays would be a good start.

 

Is he the same agent as knasmullner?

 

Apart from Salzburg, the crowds will be bigger then every other game in Austria. I love the negative comments on here it’s either 1) he’s no experience and has no business in a big mans league or it’s 2) why’s he coming tinpot Barnsley with our rubbish squad?
It’s hilarious.

 

The potential of the positive outweighs the negative I imagine. Same as any agent, pound signs init? I imagine his agent put forward the idea of a great escape, and then his client getting snapped up by one onnthe big boys.

Good luck to him, I hope he turns it around. Can't see it, don't think anyone can but hopefully he's the man to turn things round.

 

Well his deal is obviously weighted enough for him to move country and take a challenge that will ultimately end in him being the next scapegoat.

It's just a job, he's said yes to all the right things and when he gets sacked half way through his contract, he'll get a nice lump sum pay off.

It's only a bloody game

 

I can't see anything but a win-win for him, even if it's a lose-lose for us.

 

He speaks the same language as Daniel. Maybe they've communicated.

 

Thank you for the considered replies. Made me glad I asked the question. And made me think. Cheers.