The World of Oakwell.

People are so caught up in the mainstream football rollercoaster, that they expect to see goals. They think of football, they think goals. Goals, goals, goals, goals, goals. It's the reason why children have Ronaldo on their backs, but not Carrick. It's the reason they wear Gerrard, but not Mascherano. It's the reason they wear Del Piero, but not Sissoko. Because, automatically, when someone sparks up a conversation about Football, they straight away, think - GOALS.

The game saving tackles. The point winning saves, are all overshadowed by the great goals. That's fair enough, however, think about the little things that go on during your next football match, rather than just judging players on goals. To be fair, quite a lot of this board and people do look at the small, intricate, often infininitesimal things that go on in the 90 minutes. But a fair chunk don't, and their negativity towards certain players in ridiculous.

It's a shame really, because there are some very technically gifted players in the world, that are far, far overshadowed because they don't score regularly. They don't get the media coverage (if they wanted any, anyway) and they generally aren't as well known, aside from the football-minded supporters that do understand the game at a deeper level.

For me, last night, the man of the match was Muller - that was a given, but every week, Hugo Colace is always overlooked. He is a brilliant, brilliant player. I can only remember him misplacing one pass last night. Every other was basic, natural, no risk football. He tracks. He harries. He is the find of the season. Yet, he very rarely gets the praise he deserves.

With Odejayi, his work rate, from my view in the Ponty End is brilliant. He was genuinely knackered last night and after two games in the space of two days and what he did, was exactly, what I'm sure Davey asked him to do. He won flick ons. He chased balls. He put himself about, causing the Burnley defence problems. Compare his performance to Akinbiyi, who did absolutely nothing, and you'll definitely notice the difference. Odejayi was an integral part of win last night, and like I said before, the 5 or so free kicks he won towards the end, took the pressure off the defence when we needed it the most. How the hell can Loko the Tyke blame Odejayi for our defence being under pressure?

My feeling is that, because Odejayi does not score lots of goals, he is instantly victimised by a large majority, who fail to see the work he puts in and the effect it has on the team. He could barely run after 80 minutes last night - that's good enough for me. I agree, he does need to score more goals and as a striker, that's what he's judged on but he impacts the game in more aspects, that many, wether genuinely or purposely fail to see. His chance last night was well saved by Jensen, and instantly, he was getting abused. Macken missed an even better chance early doors - yet, he didn't get heckled?

I agree. Goals win games, but we won 3-2 last night. If we won every game like that, and Odejayi put in similar performance every game, I for one, would be more than happy. It's a team game, and if every player is giving their all for the cause, then I have no gripes.

I guarantee, if you ask most Barnsley fans what they think of Kayode Odejayi, they will probably say: "He's crap". Then ask them why is he crap? "Because he can't score". Again, idiots with no real clue about football. Watching Barnsley FC is not always going to be brilliant or beaufitul or excellent. We are small team in the Championship. We aren't Manchester United or Chelsea or Liverpool or even Birmingham for that matter. Take your head out of the clouds. We support Barnsley because they are in our heart! Our heart!

Get behind them. Not everyone responds well to critiscism, especially when, in my opinion, it is totally unjustified. It's a game and we are all humans...

Come on you Reds!

 

A really well constructed post, Colace is a great find for us......

and I could'nt agree more, he was my man of the match regarding an outfield player, Muller was magnificent and so was Kozluk for 70 mins, but I disagree with your appraisal of Odejayi, he is playing at least a division too high his work rate can't be questioned but his capabilities as a striker certainly can, the lad can't score when there's time to think about what to do he panics, as a target man he's found wanting his positional sense is all to **** therefore he rarely troubles the keeper with his presence because the box and himself are strangers, it's time for SD to ecure the services of another target man come January and we can bid a fond farewell to Odejayi.

 

i couldnt have wrote that if i tried but you said everything i try to tell fans at the match but cant get it out as i loose my rag,yes we aint real madrid why cant these fickle fans see were a small club overacheiving by a mile with a great young manager at the helm,he has some young players who he is trying to develop lets give him time and get behind the young lads not get on their case when they miss,its always been the case here some mindless idiots who know nothing about football criticising players for missing and not seeing the shift they have just put in, come on give em a break were turning the corner now ,well said mate thanks for a great post couldnt have put it better.

 

I agree with one thing.

Odejayi is not a goalscorer. He's not the answer to our goalscoring question.

However, I am finding it hard to critiscise him. I don't believe he did much wrong last night apart from score. He is clumsy and I for one would welcome a proven hitman to come into the club - someone like Danny Welbeck would be a breath of fresh air, or someone like Roman Bednar (out of that mould) would be an excellent addition.

For the moment, we will have to make do with what we have and the best of the bunch so far are Macken and Odejayi. Until January...

 

Spot on. nt

 

Best post on here this century

Apart from mine of course.

 

Odejayi is a good outlet

He caused their defence problem after problem with his pace and strength. People will say he missed a one on one - but I don't think any other player in our side would have been able to outmuscle the defender and get past him that easily.

He can't score, but I think he's worth his place just for his other work.

 

Odejayi is also a good outlet for...

...miserable angry men who lead a frustrating personal/working life and are just waiting for him to **** up so they can vent their spleens and take everything that is wrong in their life out on poor Odejayi/Devaney/Eden (insert desired players name).

 

RE: Best post on here this century

odijai stands out because he does things on the field while some players disappear off the radar ,did a whole lot more than his counterpart ,akinbii .

 

I agree with a lot of what you have said there

but I'm not sure I could cope with winning every game like that. Not sure I could cope with the stress!!! (casualty)



Hugo Colace great player - thought it the first time I saw him

 

Im sorry but......

Odejayi is supposed to be a striker, and what we want from strikers is GOALS. Afterall they do win games.

 

Of course we want goals.

Alex Ferguson wants goals, so he goes out and buys whoever he wants.

Simon Davey wants goals, but we don't have the necessary funds to buy someone who can score 20+ goals, or as some of you put it "A proven championship striker".

You can't be greedy. Not supporting a team like Barnsley.

 

Well for one we cant buy anyone at the minute can we. We can only loan players. Which is perfect, Cureton has said himself he wants to be loaned out. So why
not go for him?? If he's not good enough then at least we can send him back. He cant be any worse than Odejayi.

 

I'd be happy with Cureton. nt

 

Because every player that declares themselves available for loan would love to come to Barnsley...

Come on, just because we haven't announced it doesn't mean we haven't gone for him...

 

I'd take 3-2 every game. nt

 

I hate this..........

As for probably the 1st time i have to agree with what you say. And every letter let alone each word

Couldn't have wrote that better myself

Well said that man

 

except colace isn't underrated is he?

He's one of the most popular players at the club and constantly recieves nothing but praise from people at the ground

 

Where the **** do you sit? nt

 

Near me by the sounds of things

All I hear is praise for Colace by people sat near me.