The Barnsley Model

We're at a point where to progress to get better players, we probably have to sell our current best players to Premier league clubs, or relegated clubs with parachute payments who have some decent liquidity.

The positive, we get low offers that are easy to turn down. That means our team has less upheaval, more time to progress collectively and more potential to develop on the pitch and potentially get a higher bid in future.

If they aren't attractive to premier league clubs, we're less likely to get decent offers that allow us to sell at good value and recruit higher up the food chain, and the failures, we struggle to sell.

 

Nicely summed up. I would just add that that works as you say only if we do not run short of cash flow before prices restabilise or we get a player who is good enough to sell to a Premier League club. I do not see a player who is quite at that level just yet.

 

Ludewig was very useful during his time with us. Callum Brittain has been amazing, but surely we weren't expecting him to slot in so well so soon?

 

I'd say the nearest is Styles, particularly as he's still very young. But no, I'd be surprised if we had good bids from Prem teams at the moment.

 

In my opinion, there are a couple of problems with Styles at the moment. The first is that no-one thinks wing back is going to be his best position, and until he makes a position his own, no-one will know what they are buying. The second problem is that although he is undoubtedly a good footballer, he does not have pace, and for the Premier League you either have to be very, very good, or you must have pace.

 

I could see a top 6 championship side taking a punt on him as a wing back thats multi functional, but I definitely can't see a Prem side doing so. Although he's giving it a very good go defensively, he's still naive and over exuberant and does get caught out quite a bit. In the Prem, you're toast if that happens.

I thought he may have been moved inside alongside Mowatt and Oduor be brought on, but thats not quite panning out. I'd like to see Styles played in there, but I think in doing so at the minute (though I wonder if VI will take a shine to Ben Williams when he's fully fit) we'd weaken the overall team and lose energy in the key wing back areas.

 

I very much agree with your sentiments. When everyone is fit, where to play Styles is going to be a big problem. As you point out, he is not quite good enough defensively and his reading is sometimes off. Nevertheless, I am not sure if he has the discipline to play in the middle two. Those two have to maintain position and not get drawn too far forward, and as I say, I am not sure if Styles has the discipline to do that.

 

He's still very young and clearly has talent so he's nowhere near the finished article. I'm sure with the right guidance he could adapt and he's certainly tenacious to add a bit more zeal and energy centrally.

 

I think the coach, his style of play and the confidence he gives the players is the key. The model is only as good as the coach, he has sifted through the squad moving on or dropping who didnt suit his style. Simeos, Thomas, Green, Schmidt, Ritzmaire out Halme, Oduor, Miller still being developed. The board have backed Val and by doing so we will be able to lose a couple of players without losing our competitiveness. Kitchin, Kane, Palmer, Odour, Williams, Sibbick, Vic either are stepping up now or will step up.
Im expecting Mowatt, Styles and Chaplin to leave as they are under 6ft tall
We will find it harder if we cant use 5 subs post Covid, i also think we will sign someone in the summer who can do a massive throw in. Nobody will want to face Vals reds.
I saw Vals reds stand up on Sunday and im more excited than ever.

 

Apparently reported darn south that Southampton are tracking Styles. The side effect of being a small club pushing the top 6 and capturing a lot of plaudits. Im sure there will be several others too.

 

My son's just told me that. Still, tracking him isn't the same as getting him.

 

Dont Southampton play a 4-4-2 system though?

Styles is neither a full.back or winger.

 

Callum Styles is still only 20, he hasn't found his best position because he doesn't have one. This lad can play anywhere across the middle/wing backs he's that good - seriously good

 

If a Premier League club is interested then I don't see why not. The TV money has not suddenly dried up, and this forms the bulk of their income.