Humble Pie Thread

I'll start. I've been waiting for this moment for most of the season, once it became apparent that this group of players and backroom staff were on the verge of something special. Now's the time for me to get munching on that pie.

I've been extremely critical of the owners in the past, going right back to that 21 word statement debacle. I thought they were incompetent at the time, and wanted them out. I got criticised on here and on social media for my stance, but I thought they were making a right mess of things, refusing to recognise the need for experience being the main thing. But the first, tiniest signs of progress were made with the signing of Michael Sollbauer, then the last ditch "divisional retention" game at Brentford. Followed up by some astute signings including the striker(s) we'd all been clamouring for since Kieffer Moore left. The young lads in the side were slowly gaining experience and making fewer mistakes, then big Val came in and told them to stop messing about and "booit it". As for the backroom people, they were obviously learning, the communication got better, the club seemed more open, and things improved no end, with the result that we've ended up where we are today.

If the owners deserved criticism back then, then they deserve the utmost praise today, and I'm happy to eat my portion of humble pie and say thank you to all at the club, from top to bottom, for the magnificent achievement this season. It's beyond my (and I suspect most of our) wildest dreams to see us in the play-offs, regardless of what happens now.

Congratulations and well done to you all. See you next season.

 

Your thoughts were very similar to mine since Stendel's sacking. I was convinced they didn't have a clue and/or didnt care, and that the lads we were bringing in weren't up to it - not their fault, just a massively exposed lack of experience. They did amazingly well to stop up last season and our owners have since added the key ingredients we were missing, as well as an unbelievable manager.

Praise where praise is due. Well done everyone involved.

 

I don't think any of us could foresee this coming. Many Chelsea fans have said to date under their new regime they've not played a better team than us.
Pretty much sums all this up nicely.

 

To be fair all the decisions made have come off and very few were seen by many people to be astute decisions at the time. Valerians appointment and we didn't know what to expect. Signing Brittain was another example where no-one was overly excited at the time. Bringing Sibbick and Adebeyojo back from the cold another that raised a few eyebrows. Then we let a few players out that were in the first team squad and also didn't extend James. Putting faith in Palmer. Signings of Helik, Dike and Morris were also unknowns while we let Brown go. Frieser had a clearer role as the season progressed. Very few of the above could be predicted in advance.

 

I think also a special mention is due to Dane Murphy. Not necessarily has flamboyant as some of his immediate predecessors, Dane has done a brilliant job this season under extraordinarily difficult circumstances. His piece du resistance being the acquisition of Daryl DeeeeeKaaaay

 

it's been a long journey mate. Very frustrating at times, but it's succeeded at last. All of us have made unsavoury comments on occasion. But it's time to celebrate even if do not succeed in the play-offs it's still a massive achievement . Especially when you look back to the situation last season with 2 games to go, the word bleak does not come close.

 

Humble Pie...good band

 

I don't mind munching on a bit of pie now and then, all washed down with a nice bottle Red, vintage 2020.

 

Very good band.....

 

You went all George Spicer there....

 

There for the grace of God go us all.

Thankfully we won't be hung, drawn & quartered, as was the case in the only revolution England ever managed. Just reading "the Killers of the King". A really good read. Anyone with any morals were hung, had their **** & balls cut off & their innards pulled out, before being chopped up. We can just say maybe we were wrong?

 

I'll finish, YOU REDS!!!!!

 

Top thread Ian. Top thread old friend.

 

What a season, what a club! Hope we get to have the cherry on the cake!

 

Well said Sir.

 

I'm eating it too and to be honest it tastes pretty dam good hope to be eating plenty more at the end of may

 

Good post. I've been one of the few defenders of our owners, team, performances etc. for a long time, especially the owners, and I hate to say I told you so but..

 

Ian i agree with the majority of what you've said and I too am eating my fair share of pie, however on the subject of Conway I still believe he owes both the fans and the town its self a massive apology for his actions which embarrassed us all when he released that 21 word statement....the moment he holds his hands up and says he handled it wrong then apologises to both the town and the fans for his childish behaviour, the sooner all is forgiven .....
Dane Murphy and his team having been left to juggle oranges with one arm tied behind their backs whilst facing criticism of the highest order at times along with big val and the coaching staff deserve the freedom of the borough regardless of where we finish after these playoffs....as for the players ......well without wanting to be sounding chauvinistic or sexist...they the players deserve all the 18 year plus virgins regardless of gender the town can find delivered to their door

Admittedly that may be a feat far greater in Barnsley than reaching the playoffs let alone promotion these days ...lol
You playoff Reds ...

 

No need for humble pie IMO. None of us saw this coming. Not even Mr Arthur Fullglass, Positive View, Land of Eternal Optimism.

 

Well said, Ian, old friend. I, too, was disgusted with their dealings in the Summer of 2019 with regards to transfers and Daniel Stendel. However, they've walked the walk after saying they'd learnt their lessons. Dane Murphy deserves special mention in this. Their best decision, though, was to convince Valerien Ismael to take over as Head Coach.
As you rightly say, if I was happy to criticise them previously, it's only right and proper that I heap praise on them when they get it right & I'm happy to do so.