I enjoyed it and the was some interesting things spoke about. Hill and Flicker clearly want the best they can possibly do at our club without putting our future in doubt. We aren't going to over spend. Final! So anybody wanting big name signings ect - It aint guna happen!! Hill clearly stated he was as hurt and dissapointed by our after Xmas form and he will be doing ewverything he possibly can to ensure our best players arent sold in Jan!! He again talked of a layering system being in place whereby when we do sell a first team player - We already have a replacement within the squad to come in who is ready. That wasn't in place last season and knocked everything out of sync and also possibly made his first phase of his plan take a step backwards. But it couldn't be helped. He also wants club to give our younger prospects longer contracts so the Butterfield situation doesn't happen again but says its very difficult bcos whos to say that once John Stones has been given a long contract he wont suddenly switch off and stop learning bcos he knows he has a long term contract on x amount of money whatever happens. He wants to keep em hungry if we do tie them down! He knows we need to strengthen the defence but doesnt blame the back four for the 2nd half of last season, That slump and lack of goals and conceding them was more to do with our Midfield dissapearing overnight!! Sonko left club to sign a big money deal in Turkey. Harewood talks over next 48 hours. Deal for Man Utd center half collapsed due to money........ Off to work nar - Will post bit more later when i get chance but Funnyfellas Tweets do cover all really!!
'That slump and lack of goals and conceding them was more to do with our Midfield dissapearing overnight!!' Conan's just keeled over.
Too right Pep's supposed to be keen on his prozone stats but he's obviously missing the most important stats. Then again, this is the same Pep who persists with Scott Wiseman and plays his best striker* on the wing. *Not Chris Dagnall.
Hill said Hassell been carrying a knocks. Need to get him fully fit. Stones will be used sparingly. Don't want to burn him out. Wiseman will learn from the difficulties he encountered last season but Bobby - Once fit - May well be a first choice full back....... Also - Hills thoughts on Reuben - I know Merlin rates him highly!! - Reuben needs to enjoy his football again. Hes finding it a chore to train ect. He has effectivley not progressed as he should have. Hill commented that he really really didnt like to speculate as to whether he would make it at the club. A move out on loan to a lower league club may help get his confidence but for time being i get the impression he is way off a first team spot and needs to buckle back down and do some grafting in training.......
Re: From the lips of the manager, a summary of all that is wrong with the game..... "its very difficult bcos whos to say that once John Stones has been given a long contract he wont suddenly switch off and stop learning bcos he knows he has a long term contract on x amount of money whatever happens" One of the reasons I will no longer subscribe to the inflated obscene wages of footballers, many of whom work less, and put in less effort than many, if not most, people who post on here. Its lack of professionalism that has caused most of the problems. people may knock Beckham but I recall articles about him and how he used to stay behind after practice and spend hours crossing the ball etc. There are other examples of commited professionals who give 100% in the game but these seem to be few and far between. The PFA has a lot to answer for with stupid contracts that dont penalise lack of effort.
Thoroughly enjoyed the meeting Hill and Flitcroft pulled no punches with regards to the final three months of the season, the financial situation of both Barnsley and football in general, the frustration of not tying down our best players on longer contracts and not getting a transfer fee which truly reflects the player's abilities. However, they balanced this out by being confident of success for Barnsley over the long term with creating a system of a departing player already having a replacement in place within the squad (as mentioned by other posters on here), be they from the Academy or from outside the club. This requires time, patience and not to be thrown off by short termism if results suddenly take a down turn. I was impressed at the number of people who turned up & the quality of the questioning. All in all a very good evening.
Re: Thoroughly enjoyed the meeting shame we didnt get to meet : I was the bloke who handed " the don meeting papers " out - stood at the bar
Re: I was the big, ugly git Was it a black and white guiness shirt?? I was getting a pint at start and you asked if i was served a think if that was you!!