Every game he managed against the opposition and his own board it's easy to forget that he had little options with regards to players to put in the side. He concentrated on making us hard to beat. It started to fall part when we sold Fallon, (believe it or not) and Illic was sacked for finding Ridsdale out . This manager persists in playing folks out of position ie Austin at right back Colgan in goal Conlon up front no better off, probably worse off...we'll see
Yet when he was sacked we were only 4 points from a play-off position And after the victory over Hartlepool at Christmas we moved into second place in the table. I can't argue with the fact that he got some things wrong, but considering the state of the club at the start of the season he got a hell of a lot more things right.
Well, there were certainly some at Wrexham, Grimsby (understandably) and the home game versus the Posh. If I recall correctly - there were also quite a few letters to the Chron at the same time criticising Gudjon. In fact the main vehicle of support for him seemed to be the old BBS, which may explain why he posted his thanks on there after his dismissal. I'm not implying that the fans' criticism invoked his departure - just that, for the past few seasons - when we've needed some stability in the backroom, Barnsley fans have been quick to jump on the manager and hasten their departure. Hendry, Bassett, Spackman, Parkin - need I go on? Doubtless they'll get their own way with Ritchie before long - especially if form doesn't pick up.
We needed Ridsdale to hold his nerve..but he wanted rid all along. matter of time with Ritchie can't keep loosing 2000 fans every home match!!
You may well be right But I believe the most criticism a Barnsley manager has ever had was during the home game against Doncaster (even worse than the Isley Out days) when Hart was treated appallingly and that had little effect on his position. In retrospect he should probably have gone then. Not that I'm particularly defending Hart, who I didn't rate much as a manager and cared little for in the way he portrayed himself as a man. I just think we're often too eager to blame ourselves for the position Barnsley find themselves in, when in my opinion the support we still attract is nothing short of remarkable considering the abject performances we have endured over the past few seasons. I think it is the decisions that have been made at board level since relegation from the premiership that should be questioned, not the attitude of the fans.
Agreed Jay. Although to be fair the Board were dropped in it by Wilson! But from then on - the fans HAVE played a part in each manager's dismissal, either via their reactions at the games or the downturn in Season Ticket sales/attendances at games! Of course the Board takes the ultimate decisions and hence the responsibility - but they also take some note of fans' reactions, even if they won't admit as much! In that respect, we are also partially responsible for the situation we find ourselves in - midtable in Division 3, 8 or whatever managers in as many years etc., Personally, I think we have to persevere with Andy Ritchie - for this season at the very least. IF say, we get shot of him at the end of the year - we're then into the cycle of severance payments, payments for a new manager and inevitably another turnround of playing staff. imho we've had far too much of that already over the past few seasons. When things aren't going right on the pitch is the time that the supporters should SUPPORT their club.
It's back to the same arguement as last season some were saying stick with PHart becasue of the too many managers situation and stability situation In reality the problem is too many BAD managers who signed woo many BAD players, starting with John Hendrie and including Dave Bassett (who don't get me wrong was not a bad manager but signed some utter utter ****) Do you stick with the wrong man and hope he gets it right? Or get shut? Me. I don't know and to be honest at the minute I could not care less
Well, in the past few years we've got 'shut'. So maybe now the time is right for us to stick with a manager and pray he comes good? Other teams seem to manage it, so why can't we?? I can't believe that we've appointed half-a-dozen bad managers in succession! Perhaps we should get Glynn Hodges or Peter Shirtliff back! (only kidding ff )
Game before the QPR game we lost 2-0 at Plymouth , and Gorre was utterly anonymous as per usual when on our travels.
Game before the QPR game we lost 2-0 at Plymouth , and Gorre was utterly anonymous as per usual when on our travels.
go on then, I'll agree... Ppl are now looking thru rose tinted specs. Gudjon did amazing early season, with FA resources, but as soon as the squad could be extended, it all went wrong. For about 10 games it looked like we were going for 0-0. You simply can't do this. Basically, we had a great start with a tactically genius 4-5-1 (with Rory as the one) but it was a matter of time before this was found out. And as much as Gorre and Betsy ripped teams apart, deep in our hearts, we knew it'd never last. For a start, we know Gorre spends Oct-Feb out injured. All in all, it seemed right to get rid. What WASN'T right was bringing Hart in. (Having said that, if Gudjon had the backing Hart had, I've no doubt he'd not be playing for 0-0 every match) And the Ilic business just stunk. He told it like it was - he'd had a couple (a couple!!) of dodgy games and said he was worried about his contractual and living arrangements (a hotel) and was subsequently sacked for whingeing.