Fantastic performance yesterday and a result that was well deserved. It sounds like Davies had a good game and I believe you have to keep playing him for him to get better. Yesterday he seemed at his best. One thing that stood out for me yesterday was that we used our subs well. I have been critical of this and worried given our reduced squad how LJ would handle this. I like the options Marley gives, allowing Isgrove rest after a decent game and allowing Flethcher to slot in and keeping the work ethic going wide. In addition resting Marley later on after his injury giving more game time to Williams, and same for Bree with Roberts worked well. The subs seemed to strengthen and not unbalance us at the right times. Finally I think we have the nucleus of a good squad. My biggest worry is there are too many key players in the balance. White & Hamill need tying down, we need extensions on the regulars like Connor & Sam. Finally we need to convert the loanees where they fit. Isgrove now seems to have stepped it up and balances the team well. Can't see him getting a shot at Soton. I like the loanee model, I think we overdo it though. 2-3 work for me but we need some longevity from the deals and need more permenant signings to strengthen and develop our squad technically, unity and allowing them to hell socially.
Perhaps Johnson is a better manager when he has fewer players to pick from, too many options causes his brain into overload Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Definitely in the balance. If our 16 was a permanent squad tied down for next season, I would say things were looking very bright. But they're not and we will probably lose a few more of em along the way. Double edged sword innit. We want players to come in and do well, but when they do they're obviously gonna quickly move onto better clubs and bigger money. Especially when they're loans. Just the way it is. All we can do is keep improving and over time, more players will want to stay then leave. Not gonna happen overnight though. I still see lots of change and rebuilding ahead. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I agree with this principle fully. However with Hammill and White there may be a chance. Neither have nailed a regular Championship place of late, neither have been in demand from the championship. Hammill in particular has played his best football under us during his entire career. If they see us as potential promotion material there just might be a chance. However if they perform well and raise our position, they will undoubtably attract interest. Catch 22, hence my feeling get them tied for next season now. They of course, may not want that themselves. This is the skill and performance attributed to the whoever is responsible for recruitment. Head Coach or CEO?
Another way of looking at it is that regular comings and goings keep the interest up. Who wouldn't admit they love hearing in the media that we have signed a new player, or that one out of favour has moved on? Admittedly, it's not so good when you hear that a key member of the team has left but that's life, so on we go. I understand concerns about constant rebuilding processes but, as many have said, it's a consequence of where we are and WHO we are. The name Barnsley commands plenty of respect throughout the game but, at the same time, it's not the first port of call for most players when considering where to go next. Not only because of our league position, but also because of where we are geographically. Personally I love seeing new faces coming in, so long as it's not every week! It's great when you see an up and coming player doing good stuff for us, even if it is only on a temporary, loan basis. I liked Isgrove immediately - he reminded me of David Speedie with that terrific spring he has from a standing start. He might not have as good a career as Speedie did, but he's a decent little player. He will do ok for us I think. As for the left wing pairing of White and Hammill.....well, let's just enjoy them while we have them. They might both get better offers and fly the nest in the summer. On the other hand, maybe, just maybe, both will realise that here is actually a good place to be for the next year or two. They both have plenty of years ahead of them so why not cement their reputations with us (rebuild, in Adam's case) and then move on for serious money at the right time. Whenever they go is out of our control. As I said, let's just enjoy the ride. Players like Adam Hammill come along very rarely, so I intend to enjoy the feast while it is there on the table.
