Liking this, experienced head in Conor guiding the midfield. Experienced head in Roberts doing the same in defence. Now bring in a good experienced Striker for the full set. It's what we have been asking for, that sprinkling of experience in the squad. I expect that they will balance this out with some young players, plus we have our lads who hopefully can make the step up from academy/21's.
Another plug in good to go player where we know what we’re getting, it makes a pleasant change and a obvious change in our recruitment policy.
Like many Barnsley signings in the past this might be really canny and inspiring or it could be total kak and another waste of money. Proof of the pudding....dont judge a book by the cover.......patience is a virtue....etc etc....
That looks like a picture of my 75yr old brother. Pleased with that though. As he can still play a bit lol. (Well. he can walk if that means owt). But am really pleased. Welcome back Marc.
Welcome back Marc. He brings a lot of experience and leadership with him, which is definitely something we missed in the back 3 all last season in my opinion. As with Conor, he won’t be the same player we had 7, 8 years ago but he should still offer us something.
We got bullied last season on multiple occasions. Regardless of whether he has the pace or ability on the ball, Roberts will provide a physical[ and experienced presence at the back. I also hope this experience will rub off on some of the younger defenders. I hope this is a sign that we've accepted that having a few older heads will make the other younger players look better which in turn improves performances and (for the owners interest) their resale value. My main worry with experienced players is if they have the right attitude and desire because of not they can be a disruptive influence. I hope that with both Roberts and Hourihane, their affinity for the club should ensure this won't be an issue.
not necessarily. Ive always said get a good solid spine of an experienced pro and then have emerging talent around them. Proved it time and time again that having a back line of raw inexperienced players costs us season upon season. This signing is exactly what we needed and i hope we buck the trend now. Conor n the middle, roberts at the back and cosgrove up front is excellent. Now lets see who else they add.
Glad to see we're starting to come away from youth only and getting experienced players in the squad We all dream of a team of...…experience can only help our younger players improve and increase there value
Happy that we've signed another big commanding centre half and a bonus they've got experience and leadership qualities. However, I am concerned that we have very little pace in that backline plus we need to move a few of the current defenders on (McCarthy and probably Lopata if we're serious about bringing James through).
You for real? Experience in key areas like Roberts at the back and Hourihane in the middle is invaluable, and required. As for resale value, they won’t have any, but they will assist hugely in increasing the values of the young players around them. Lopata, Pines, MDG, Jack Shepherd and even Josh Earl aren’t going to get worse by playing with, training with and learning from him.
Welcome back. If we'd made this signing a year ago, we'd be in the Championship now. Sounds like we've finally realised bringing in experience helps the resale value of the young 'uns.
Next season's captain and ideal mentor for Pines. I suspect we could be going to a back four, making us more defensive. We conceded too many goals last season. If you don't concede you don't lose.
It's essential that we sign players with Roberts' and Hourihanes' experience. They're not going to jump ship for more money, those days are behind them. They're here to improve us first and foremost. Secondly, they're here to bring on the YOUNG players who do have resale value. This is another AMAZING signing by this board. He won't play every week, that's fine. What he will do is train with the raw youth such as Pines, Lopata, Shepherd etc every single day and that can only be a positive. I moan at the club when I think it's warranted, but if you're moaning at this, and I 100% believe that everyone should be entitled to their own opinion by the way, but I honestly think your mental health would be better served not supporting the Club anymore.