Mladen Sormaz

IMO, that always read to me originally, that signings were going to be limited, and that we had to run with what he had to an extent - although it could be read differently too.

 

Only next season’s accounts will show whether he’s got the call right. He made it clear that prices had to go up to make money.

Sell a load at a cheaper price, or charge more and sell less…..

Like I say, in 12 months time, the fanzone, safe standing and accounts will reflect his stint. Then that’s where he can be judged.

 

It isn't a case of selling less it's selling literally none. The kiosks are simply empty of customers. In the past they were struggling to get served during half time. Unless he's charging 4 million a pint then we don't need to wait to see the figures

 

I don’t hang around the kiosks so wouldn’t know, and haven’t drank alcohol in Oakwell for years, only in fan zone when open and not p!ssing it down!

 

Sounds similar to me too, limited incomings and focus on developing what was existing.
Think Okeefe and Killip are the only ones I can think of that have kicked on this season.

 

Awesome tune

 

Looking forward to Mladen’s interview on how the winter transfer window went, we had one the 4th September after the summer window closed….

 

Tune.

 

Ah, I get you. That makes more sense. Prior to Christmas and the winning run? I think I did say I’d treat it as a transitional season. Sounds familiar anyway. We’d just lost Earl and Roberts. You’re right.

 

Yeah, that’s sounds about the right time.

Call the hounds off!!

I think all clubs have seasons (on the pitch) where things just can’t align to make it work.

Some players who are on bigger money but not working out and need to go (Cosgrove & Benson - some weekly wages there!), some Academy youth who are promising but not quite ready for 1st team (Yogi, Lofty and Marsh etc) some youth signed who are bedding in currently (Gent & Shepherd etc). And then you’ve the players like Farrugia, Nwakali and this new French lad who are all gambles. The first two actually working well.

Add the development of Pines into that, where he needs game time to develop, but can be a liability at times, and you see that yes, in perhaps 12 months with the experience, with the squad gelled, with more additions and also some dead wood gone, it can challenge again.

It’s very hard to get into the Play-Offs 3 seasons on the spin, practically and mentally for the players, especially with a new manager every season, but with a good run of results, that’s where we could be come May.

So I’d say for now - not the best January transfer window (I still think we had 2nd striker lined up, but couldn’t get it done), not the best Oakwell Matchday experience, but judge again in 12 months.

Man City, on the opposite side of the spectrum, are an extreme example of another team having a transitional season too…..

 

Go with 'Laddo.' Close enough to his name, but also suitably disdainful to be reflective of his efforts.

 

I don't know exactly what date that quote is from, but here are the players we've signed since Clarke was appointed manager:

Gent
Hourihane
Roberts
Humphrys
Farrugia
Keillor-Dunn
Slolina
Smith
Gauci
Craig
Nwakali
Lembikisa
Rodrigues

Limited, my arse

 

I can’t really knock anyone who’s trying to see things with a more upbeat and optimistic outlook.

And whilst I really hope you’re right, and that in 12 months time on and off the pitch there’s a marked uptick in performance, I fear there’s little patience on offer from the majority of the fanbase. Results on the pitch will dictate how things are perceived. Fingers crossed they’re positive for the club and that Joe, Neil, Dexter and Clement turn out to be just what the squad needed to enjoy a more hopeful and uplifting few months of football.

 

we should rename this forum the Barnsley FC Dunning - Kruger Board. Or we could just sign him and have done.

The fact is if the head coach was given good players that he wanted and we wallowed in the bottom half he would be sacked.

so if a director of football, hired to compete for promotion was given a budget and failed to use it wisely that creates a team wallowing bottom half, who then gets sacked.

i dont like people losing their jobs but sometimes its obvious if people perform consistently below expectations. And its football.

 

I’m just willing to be a little more patient, that’s all.

Fed up of the manager changes and acknowledge the board will be trying their best. And there are reasons behind everything they do - whether folk agree with it all or not.

I’m neither backing or slating anybody, just willing to allow time for people brought in to do their bit.

Business takes time change, and it’s not linear either - plenty of wrongs/rights and ups/downs along the way.

 

Not a lot, bring Dane back and he wasn't brilliant

 

I just don’t see how a premier league or championship loan for a striker couldn’t have been completed.

Scarcity of players?

I haven’t looked, but I bet you I could pull out a dozen 19-21 year olds in about 15 minutes.

Finances?

Given the wealth of the premier league teams, player development would be the primary driver, rather than saving on wages. It really shouldn’t be difficult to agree a deal until the end of season.

Also take into account we are currently in a situation that is perfect for a young hungry striker to come into and get some goals and confidence. We’re creating chances, good chances, and not putting them away.

If you can’t sell that, you’re in the wrong profession.