The two firms quoting have both gone odds on. This would have some merit, to me. Disco has connection with us and might be the person we can build something with, rather than another one-season wonder.
If it is Devaney, why is it taking so long to announce? Surely this is a straight forward thing for the club.
I'd be completely fine with this. We'll have the majority of the same squad next season, hopefully with £1 million of the incoming transfer fees spent on a new centre forward. No wholesale changes needed. Continuity is key.
Mads - big loss but we were prepared for it. Will receive a decent whack. Bobby Thomas - excellent player, but replaceable Isted - great keeper, but Collins is definitely not worse. Luke Thomas, Max Watters, Boban Tedic - squad players, not really integral parts of the spine of the team. I'm writing that post on the assumption that we don't lose Luca Connell. For me, he'll be the difference between a proper crack at automatic promotion, and struggling to make the playoffs. He really is that important to us. Possibly even more important than Duff was.
I reckon they will sell Connell, Jordan Williams and Kitching as well. I just think they'll sell everything that's not nailed down.
Does it though? I've supported Barnsley for over 35 years, and for a small club, we've always had a history of producing or unearthing incredible centre backs, many of which were international class. First of all we've got McCarthy to come back. While I'm not saying he's international quality, I'm hoping that he's more than solid at League 1 level. We've already signed Lopata, and I've got faith in the board to bring in someone else without breaking the bank. Despite the number of goals scored last season, it's up front where some real investment is needed, in my opinion.
Rather not personally. Take the fact he’s been with us so long and look at his coaching record in isolation and there’s nothing there to suggest we should. Obviously that doesn’t factor in what they can see on a day to day basis.
Williams maybe because of his contract situation. Don't think we'll get anyone in the Championship offering silly money for Kitch as he's still far too much of a loose cannon. Luca - remains to be seen, but with plenty of incoming transfer cash already, I'd be shocked if we'd even consider anything less than £5 million for him, which I don't think anyone would pay, at least not yet. I'm actually more concerned about losing Cadden, with him coming into the final year of his contract.
I’m thinking a steady & experienced signing with Lopata and Kitch either side - not convinced McCarthy or Cundy would fit that role.
No problem for me. He has to realise he’ll be judged like every manager though, and if he fails we might lose him from the Club entirely. That would be the biggest shame for me. But I’ll back him if he gets it.
I’ve no idea whether he’ll make a decent manager or not but I’ve met him a couple of times & he came across as a decent bloke who loves this club. He’s lived here ever since he played for us, his kids have only ever known Barnsley as home so no one will want this to work more than Devaney. If he gets the managers job & then gets the sack it’s hard to go back to an academy role at the club so he has to make it work.