Great post. I'm bang there, mister. I sat out last season but returned with renewed optimism this year, only to find we are in a re-run of 2017-18. Accessibility to the ground is shocking and the parking situation and getting away afterwards is a truly dire experience. Even at this early stage I can't see myself being involved next season. And I can concur that people I talk also feel the same.
Great original post and thread. It's hard work supporting any team when they're struggling, and as I've got older (and wiser?!) I value going to support the team along with meeting the same old company in and out of the ground. Me, Lee, @Sheriff, Chris, @dabber, @onemickybutler, @fitzytyke and another half a dozen of us have spent 30-40 years going full circle with Barnsley FC, great high points and plenty of lows. And arguing about players performances, tactics, referees, managers, boards, and generally talking complete b@llocks for 2 hours each home game. I'd miss that as much as the game if I didn't attend. I'm likely in the minority here, as I don't buy the argument of our board being here to make a quick profit. Relegation hits everyone involved with BFC and any profit is pretty much gone. I don't think anyone would deny mistakes have been made during their tenure to date and with recruitment and retention, but I can't abide what modern football has become, especially at this level. 23 years ago John Hendrie took a paycut to join us, were now in an era of such player power that once heads are turned by money they're off. Players with Hendrie's attitude off the pitch aren't out there IMHO. I would have liked to have seen the promotion side stay together because they had a comradeship rather than just because of contracts but that's a bygone era now. All this said, I would like to see a couple of old fashioned senior pros who command a slightly higher wage purely down to their experience in the game, not that I can honestly suggest any names who I think would fit this description or sign for us! We have looked poor in many of our games, or part of our games, and lack the quality for this level as things stand. The players, the head coach, the board collectively are learning about this division. Its absolutely fair to question some of the decisions made but I don't personally question anyone's integrity at the club, bad decisions can be made with the best of intentions, or with a level of optimism that's too high. I'd like to think the board are reflecting on some of their decisions, the only chance to learn from them and change it is at future transfer windows. I'm sure they realise that survival this season is crucial to whatever plans they have, which I can only see are long term, and results to date will surely worry all connected with our club. We could invest heavily in players who cost higher fees and wages and achieve midtable in what is, financially, a Premier League 2. How many seasons of what we used to call "Mid-table mediocrity" would we take before things felt stagnant again? Would that be value for money? Anyway, I've gone right off on one here. @icer, I understand what you are saying in your post, I felt similarly in the Hill era and the Johnson era posting similar to you. But I hope you have second thoughts and use your season ticket for more than just the match. We need you. Keep smiling.
For what it's worth pal I'm told you can get a refund on your ticket, obviously at a reduced rate. Not sure how true this is, but if it is true then I can see a fair few doing the same. I posted last week that I had had enough so I fully understand what you are saying. I didn't go on sunday and I wont be going on wednesday either. The whole 'the club dont care cos they've already got your money' thing is a load of ********. They are businessmen and they'll be looking further into the future and itll worry them that x amount of supporters will not come back, but they've only got themselves to blame. They hit the self destruct button, they didn't back the manager, they didn't listen to the manager, they didn't listen to us, they didn't listen to the pundits. Why? Because it's all money money money money with them. They told us they learnt very valuable lessons from our last stint in the championship, but from what I've seen they've learnt absolutely nothing. Again, results do not matter one bit to them, I'm convinced. Similar stories from Nice fans should have told us what to expect. I dont feel part of this club anymore, infact I dont recognize this club anymore. For me, the only way to show them how ****** off you are is to hit them where it hurts, the pocket.
As always, a sensible and balanced summing up of the situation we’re in. Agree 100 %. Although I am currently in the Algarve and chilled out after a few beers lol
Some great discussion points and to be honest surprise at how many people here feel the same dissolution. Right now Swansea seems to be the next home game out of the next 4 for me but hey lets see. I might still go wed too and see if that mojo returns. Bristol and Stoke off the list. I can always contemplate how i’m feeling while waiting in the car park for an hour after the game By the way i full agree about the friends and get togethers. I would normally pick my lad up from Manchester for wed game. He has already decided not to bother.
I threw the towel in on Sunday. I was half ready then decided to get dinner on and watch it on the telly.
Hearts like peas (peys) springs to mind. When the going gets tough (n all that)! Strange that people feel the need to like a post cos somebody as said they won't be attending/supporting the reds anymore. What do they get out of it? We sold our best players, we bought young potential and if they are any good we will sell them, so what its nowt new. UP THE REDS!
Remember when we had the Wildcat Dolls for a short time and then they posted that all they wanted was their travel to Oakwell and back covered and the club (Rowing I think) wouldn't do it.
Sunday wasn't safe in that car park. For some reason the gate at the bottom of the Ponte was open without a steward in sight, so cars were leaving through the bottom entrance where people are trying to cross the road or queue at the burger van. This shouldn't have been allowed to happen. Usually the gate is shut, cones out and a number of stewards. On Sunday it had nothing.
Obviously I would think everyone would have a bottom line as you put it. Can't see me ever not attending games at Oakwell while ever I am able. Perhaps moving to an out of town new stadium or merging with any of the Sheffield clubs would put me off! What I can't tolerate is injustice,inequality or anything Nigel Farage or that Rees Mogg bloke have to say.
Carvoeiro. Nearly everyone I talk to has never heard of it. Our fifth visit here, we love it at this time of year.
Wonderful. Just back from my 3rd trip of the year. And 27th overall. I'm glad people haven't heard of it. It is my haven get yersen into the Roundup Saloon and say hi to Big Willy for me. An PM if you need to know anything / anywhere to go. And enjoy
Right with you on the last line. I'd go with a new stadium - I don't think ours is very good, notwithstanding it's history. I don't think most folk are too worried about playoffs or promotion from this division - I think they'd just like to see us be able to hold our own and win the odd game. The early evidence is that we look set to fare no better than 2017-18 on that score. Add in access/parking difficulties and I think a considerable few are getting fed up with the situation.
