Official Site : POST-MATCH REACTION FROM OAKWELL

He speaks quite well in that. Not heard the Radio Sheff interview, so it can't comment, but it does sound like two different views from what people on here have posted. Strange.

 

I think a lot of it is in the interpretation. I just listened to the whole interview on Barnsley Player, which I assume is the same one Radio Sheff broadcast, because the posts earlier referred to direct quotes from Keith. I didn't find the tone of the interview to be overly critical, in fact he started out by saying that the players were fearful, he didn't understand why, and only when they lifted the performance did the crowd get behind them (all true).

He also said that everyone around the club - the players, himself, and the crowd has a responsibility to create an environment where the players aren't frightened to play at home and to make mistakes. He thinks that there is too much pessimism here, and has felt that from day 1, but that he won't allow his optimism to be broken. I can't see anything in that to get upset about, I think he's dead right, but I also think he could do a great deal more to encourage a better atmosphere.

Then he went on to say that he doesn't like messageboards, that he doesn't read them but has mates who tell him what is written. I personally don't believe him - I think he reads this board and many of the players do too - and they all need to realise that it's a place where extremes of viewpoint are common, often in the interest of self-publicity, but the vast majority are sensible, well balanced views of fans who care deeply. In other words, grow a thicker skin, they all get paid well enough to take the rough with the smooth.