Last season after watching some of the most boring matches at Oakwell for years I decided to spend match days doing other things. The acceptance by the management of League 1 football and lack of ambition carried over to this season although family members continued their support. After the revival in the second half of the season I was constantly being pestered to join them, an offer I declined until the match with Southend. I expected a team managed by Phil Brown to stretch the rules but I came away disappointed by the manner in which we lost. I was assured this was a one off and to come and watch the game with S****horpe and by now had sat through 180 minutes of football without seeing the team score. It seemed that the team were concentrating on Wembley rather than aiming for two targets and could likely fall on both fronts. Meanwhile twelve of the family were planning the trip to Wembley and again asked if I would join them but by this time I was regarded as an unlucky omen but thought third time lucky and joined. Once again after 45 minutes I had watched a goalless half, the team were nervous, a yard off the pace and the first touch was poor. I was informed later that at half time Heckingbottom had told the team “not to leave Wembley having regrets” a few words that proved to be more valuable than a hundred from Hill. Whatever happens from now until the end of season it could be inspired by giving Heckingbottom a proper title as Manager and a contract instead of the meaningless title of Head Coach. The board need to place their trust in a manager and allow him to carry the feel good factor into next season. Hammill has turned the clubs fortunes around and another three permanent signings added to the local youngsters could continue this.
