Keith Hill is hell-bent on proving his doubters wrong. He joined the Tykes this summer after five years at Rochdale and so far his new side have just one win in eight matches. But Hill said: “I’m not here to make friends. I’ll fight to protect my opportunity to make a success of my time at Barnsley – and I will be a success.” Hill had a row with a fan during the draw against Watford, which extended Barnsley’s winless streak at home to five games. And he says the supporter should not be surprised at provoking such a furious response. Hill said: “People who go against me will find out that I’ll fight. I’m not a silent witness. If people want to take me on, I’ve got no problem with that.” Barnsley were the better side, but didn’t turn their domination into goals. But Hill believes the wins will eventually come if his team keeps faith in him. He said. “The way we are playing with the ball is really impressive. It’s starting to reflect my footballing identity.” Barnsley controlled the game but Watford took the lead when England under-21 striker Marvin Sordell tapped in Mark Yeates’ nod across goal. The Tykes kept up the pressure after the break and grabbed the equaliser when striker Andy Gray headed home Jim O’Brien’s flighted cross.
If he carries on like he is , he is going to end up the loser. Also he will be getting more than just an argument.
What a strange chap Who doesn't want to be friends with the supporters of the football team you manage? I just can't understand that sort of attitude at all. In everything I've done in life I've wanted to make friends. In school, 6th form, university and work, meeting new people and forming new relationships is just about the best part of it. I would think that when you speak directly to your customers on a regular basis and rely on their support for the continuity of your employment then forming relationships is even more important. I don't know what's more bizarre, the things Keith Hill comes out with or the people cheering him on when he aims another swift kick to their knackers.
Jay, the fans hes met sound like morons. didnt witness what happened at the game but it seems like it was another horrid fan. i over heard some of them on sat. i wouldnt want to be friends with them. i dont want to be labeled same as them ffs. keep saying it keith, its right what you say. them that dont like it and are the problem.
What I don't understand is that, even as a bit of a Hill-sceptic, I would have to admit the lads played very well on Saturday. I was content - even at 1-0 down. So why anyone would choose that moment to abuse Hill, I don't know. That said, I'm with Jay, because I think you do have to work with your fans - they are the customer base, after all. What happened to "stronger together"?
Too right HT. Some of the things I've heard are embarrassing and I wouldn't want to be friends with some of our fans, however in response to Jays point I honestly think Hill is just being single minded and saying that he will stick with his own philosophy steadfastly even if that means alienating people. I'm quite sure he does want the fans on board but for once we have a manager saying 'I'll do it may way and if you don't like it tough'. From what I have seen so from the last two games he has the players 100% behind him and ultimately that is what matters. If they keep playing like that I don’t care if some fans don’t like him.
Nail on head there Mr Kaht. I'm not having a go at you here, just expanding on the point you raised, but you have been negative and pessimistic and yet you were happy with the performance and the display so then why would anybody choose to pick an argument with the manager? Its just mind-boggling that this idiot thought it was an acceptable thing to do.
Keith Hill reminds me of Mr X Just about everyone who uses this BBS wants to try and get on with other people. We might have disagreements and that, but we want to be part of the community and have a decent relationship with our fellow users. The obvious exception to this is Mr X. He has no intention of making friends and sets out to be deliberately obnoxious, to wind people up and to basically make sure everyone has a **** time while they're on here. He always has done. Now I can't understand that kind of attitude and as such I don't really like Mr X. It strikes me that Keith Hill has set about his Barnsley career in exactly the same way. Maybe Mr X is Keith Hill.
He had the temerity to answer an abusive fan back??? The cad!! Where does he get off thinking he's got a right to his own opinion and sticking up for himself, his staff & his players??
But on the other hand its wrong for a section to boo poor performances yet he sees fit to argue with one abusive fan. Seems to be a case of when it suits Mr Hill.
It amazes me that even when we've played well again, people's rights to criticise him & his staff is backed to the hilt. However, Hill doesn't appear to have the same rights. In my opinion that is sheer hypocrisy.
I don't know what you're reading mate But I don't see anyone in this thread or any other saying that Keith Hill didn't have the right to respond to the fan that had a go at him. So I don't know where this hypocrisy that you speak of is coming in. In fact, most people in this thread have backed Keith Hill. I have said that I don't understand why Keith Hill doesn't want to make friends. I find it extremely odd. On the one hand the club are saying stronger together and on the other Keith Hill is saying he didn't come here to make friends. That isn't stronger together.
Re: I don't know what you're reading mate It seems to me he makes throw away comment that folk pounce upon and dissect to the extreme. Some of the things he's come out with is barmy, but no more so than the over the top criticism. He's not one for making bland, predictable soundbites that won't upset people's sensitivities, either pre or post match. I think it makes a refreshing change to have a real character for a manager, rather than the more common dullards that seem to get employed these days. I think the question was asked of him directly after the match and he's spoken out when the passion and adrenalin is flowing. The dissection is always made in the cold light of day and never appears to take this into account. Just my opinion.
Re: I don't know what you're reading mate Nowhere does it say that Keith Hill doesn't want to make friends, people are taking it in the wrong context, it says he is not here to make friends, Ie he is here to do a job, he has focus and isn't going to let select fans stop him doing what he believes will work. Nowhere does it say that he is hell bent on not talking to anyone or he will be ignorant to everyone whilst doing a job. It's easy to read something the way you want it to read which it seems happens everytime Keith Hill speaks.Then again if Keith Hill kept quiet folk would be moaning about that. I still personally think he does a lot of it to detract critisism etc away from the team so they can get on with what they have to do.
You could well be right The comment about him not coming here to make friends may well have been made right after the match when the adrenaline is still pumping. And you're right that I've analysed it in the cold light of day. But having heard dozens of Keith Hill's other interviews I don't think he does want to make friends. I think he does want to be divisive and generate a him against us kind of atmosphere. This latest interview only confirmed what I already suspected. Personally I think he'd fair a lot better and receive much more patience from the fans if he did try to get everyone on side, but that doesn't seem to be his way.