Andy Ritchie was sacked for a supposed lack of ambition, saying that getting into the Premier League wasn't a realistic ambition... Now Keith Hill regularly tells us that the only realistic target is staying in the division and that in itself would be a huge achievement. So what's changed? This has always been an unfair league moneywise, with so many clubs benefitting from parachute payments and/or rich investors but has Barnsley's position within it become so different since Ritchie got us back into the Championship?
I thought Ritchie was sacked because he wouldn't spend and stuck with his lower league squad. Second part of that applies today
The championship has become stronger and 'unfair money wise' as you put it, since Andy Ritchie's reign. However, all the more reason to make most of what is available to you ( injuries or not) The limitations in his squad should act as rallying call for battle not to mask any shortcomings. KH should play his strongest available team which in my opinion he is not. Start by having a proper captain, that leads by example and makes his presence felt. Our current team captain does neither of these.
Tuesday o Connor and Keogh. Never stopped talking or organising. You could hear them from the stands. Wiseman and basil... They'd not get thrown out the library fro shouting
The championship has changed quite a bit in the relatively short time we have been back in it. I dare say that Keith would have loved the same circumstances that Ritchie had but the reality of Keiths job is a lot different to Ritchies.
Ritchie was sacked because he was supposedly "Scouting" in Ireland - Management thought he wouldn't find too many prospects for BFC on a golf course. He also had a very short working day - like going home before dinnertime(Yorkshire dinnertime!!) and letting the players have an easy ride. Think that Hillflicker at least put a full shift in - and do try!!!
Bobby said at the Lamproom last night that Ritchie was loyal to that squad and didn't like the idea of bringing in new players. Would've still played that same team even if they were rooted to the bottom of the table.