Is our league position what we might have expected...?

Better, I would suggest. And does it reflect the quality of our performances thus far? We are a point closer to play-offs than relegation and last season's premier clubs are no more than two points better off. We have been giving the wealthy club's more than a run for their money and even the better teams are coming to Oakwell with the primary intention of stopping us playing rather than going purposely all out to beat us. The whole league is aware of what we did to Birmingham so comprehensively and is treating us with much more respect on our travels, Charlton even looked scared of us at times. Still, they have to get points at home and this has led to a more suitable, open game on our travels from which we have and hopefully continue to benefit from, where our good early season home form has dipped as teams employ the same tactics we used to, in order to survive.

And we still have not had a fully fit squad to chose from this season which has allowed some players to flourish who may have otherwise had to wait their turn. Steve Dawson has been a revelation, Perkins has gone from a tenacious tryer to fully paid up championship player of head turning quality, Davies is a striker with a fast growing reputation and even without the goals Dagnall's contribution can not be under-valued. And despite the odd mistake young John Stones is becoming a top end Bentley, let alone a Rolls Royce of a footballer with a premier league and international career marked all over him. Until he out-grows us will be a key player and without sounding too mercenary, a shed load of money when he does move on to bigger things, though not better of course! Now, who saw that coming? Apart from Hemsworth Tyke, who currently has the academy eleven valued at upwards of £100 million.

If you look at our progress from last season (sounding like Keith Hill now) in terms of any other performance related industry, we are definitely in the ascendancy on the red line of the big chart on the wall. An upward trajectory in terms of current performances and club business where the future looks potentially brighter than it has done for the last 12 seasons. On the pitch I think we all know where the failings lie and improvements to be made where towards the end of last season even Keith seemed lost for answers on occasion. The solutions might be found currently within the club, who knows with so many still out injured and who's to say they can't step up and do a job as other's have? I'm looking forward to seeing Mido fully fit and flying, it's surely his last chance in English football and hw must be chomping at the bit. And while the narrow midfield formaton has mostly been working for us so far, when Silva and Jim'lad are fit the options will be far wider, literally.

Thanks for reading this far.... Then of course there is the uncertainty of take overs and transfer windows, but that is true of the whole football food chain but at last it would appear we are making provisions in terms of contracts that will benefit us not the jammy club that has it away with our best players. I'm not going to repeat Heith Hill's sentiments and plans, or the buzzwords he comes out with, we all know the plan - but I do think he has created something it would be very difficult to simply hand over to a new manager in whatever situation that may come about. In my weird way of picturing stuff, even the club, Chairman, supporters etc seem to orbit around the central hub that is Keith Hill. Whoever is analysing the assets of the club, preparing for a takeover or not, has to be aware that he is the single, greatest asset this club has and it would be folly to even consider replacing him and expect everything he has built to remain standing.

This season's second serious, if not sensible post from me. Well, if you will ban thereev.... Come on the Reds and all that, peace up.

 

You are not much fun, Tom! You say we are over achieving yet we are in an expected position. Daft that?

 

not gonna comment on our position as you asked, but

I have to agree with you on perhaps the entirity of your post, especially the last paragraph.If there is a takeover coming along then it could and most likely will all change, then someone will snap up Keefy and with open arms. last season we seemed to gallop off at a cracking pace only to see a dreadful downwards spiral after Christmas. I will not dwell on the reasons for that as we all have an opinion there.What I will say is that I would prefer a somewhat more slow paced season as long as we do not court relegation. A steady Eddy points gain will do for me,hopefully seeing us finishing in the middle 8 teams of the final table,that would be progress as we have finished in the bottom 8 since we returned to the championship.I like the earned status of a team and not a cheque book bought status as Man City, Chelsea etc etc have seen fit to do.Home grown/academy talent (Butterfield, Stones,RNL etc) and perhaps a few astute signings too ( Vaz Te being a good example) along the way.Now thats the kinda team to be proud of, a team thats earned it berth no matter what league its in. well there you go Mr C thats my sensible reply, can I go back to being silly again now , Pleeeease.

 

Re: not gonna comment on our position as you asked, but

Seeing as the bookies and 50% of the posters on this forum had us odds on to be relegated (my prediction was by Valentines day btw after pre- season)I think we've done pretty well. Especially when half the squad was injured a month ago.

I can genuinely see us finishing top half as the league is that close; equally it's possible we could finish fourth from bottom again. We need to keep hold of key players this season or the inevitable post Xmas slump could be witnessed again

Great fun supporting Barnsley though, innit?

 

I agree with all that Mr C tho you did miss out in saying that stones as turned in to a diamond.....did you see what I did there? oh excellent post by the way.

 

Our league position is probably about what I expected at this stage. Is it what we deserve.... No, I think we actually deserve top half now. But you never get what you deserve. Good post btw

 

Great summary. Hill is the central hub. There's something special being built at our club. It will take time but it will work if we can keep Hillcroft. And if the fans show patience. Rome. Day. Etc