I just can't get my head round why Hill says the things he does. Even if he is correct and his perception of the club and its fans is 100% accurate, I can't get my head round what purpose it serves to him or anyone to continuously point out our failings in the manner he does. In all my football following life I have never heard any manager of any club speak the way he does. Its bizarre.
Siege mentality IMO; he does it to protect the players and divert negativity away from them. From what I've heard he was like this at Rochdale and to be honest it doesn't bother me.
A seige mentality is fine. In fact its great. But make it Barnsley Football Club (players, fans, manager, owners) vs the world, not the players and coaching staff vs the fans. What purpose can that serve? As much as I hate the term "we will be here long after you've ****ed off" . . . . it is true.
He's got a big gob That's just the way the bloke is. When he got the job, loads on here looked him up on youtube, listened to his interviews, and said that was just what they wanted. When he says what he thinks, what others shirk from saying, about most things (e.g. what f***ers Portsmouth are), it's a breath of fresh air. But when it's about the supporters, it hits a nerve (rightly so) and many take offence. For what it's worth I've been critical of some of his interviews this season, but can't see a lot wrong with the one he did tonight. I agree he could do more to foster a positive relationship with the fans, and would perhaps be better served keeping his thoughts to himself on occasion, but if he did that he wouldn't be the same bloke. He's just doing what comes natural. I happen to agree with him that there is too much negativity around our club.
He doesn't feel that the fans are 100% behind him and his team so this is the way he protects his players. I dont think there is too much wrong with what he says in his interviews because I think that he is taking us in the right direction.
The fans won't get behind him or his team if he continues down that road, unless he has real success.
There is a minority who will moan about him no matter what and I think he directs his comments towards these. He knows that they can be damaging to confidence and I believe this is why he does all he can to protect his team. The vast majority are still 100% behind him.
But by protecting his team does he need to detach them and himself from the people who pay the money to watch? I don't think he does. I'm still behind him and believe he will do (is doing) a good job and in fact when he says some of his more controversial things I've actually agreed with what he said. . . . but I still have to question his wisdom in saying them.
I'm not saying I always agree with him but this is what he is like, he did similar things at Rochdale so I'm not surprised he's doing it here. I really like him and personally dont have a problem with what he says however you're right that he will only get away with it while we are progressing. I think and I hope that while we are progressing Cryne and Don back him 100% and ignore the mutterings of a small minority. Everyone is entitled to an opinion but I do feel that some decided they didn't like him from the minute he was appointed and refuse to change their minds.
