Players we might not see play in front of the fans

If we don't go up I can see bids coming in for Helik, Brittain and maybe even Morris & Frieser. As well as that, Dike's loan finishes and Val may well be poached. Point I'm making is that I'd be really disappointed if I couldn't see this current team and Val perform in front of the fans.

 

Summer will be horrible. Don't want to think about it.

 

I hope we can get to show our appreciation for their efforts regardless of where we finish. Be it at t’well, or an open top bus ride, at the end of the season. Sadly I think social distancing will prevent such an event.

 

Me too, but I think we will see Helik and Brittain up until January at least, but not Dike.

 

I am glad we aren't allowed back this season. Everything is going well for us so I wouldn't want to change anything by fans being back in the stands putting pressure on the players.

 

Fsns don't just put pressure on though. They also help carry a team, willing them on.

 

The players that will leave in the summer if we don't go up will be mowatt for free, callum styles and possibly anderson or helik. Doubt anyone will come for freiser just yet.

 

They do but they are doing brilliantly without us there so I am not in a hurry for that to change this season. The lads will know what we expect them of but being there in person is an added pressure and shouts from the stands when a pass doesn't work out.

 

Not so sure.

 

Barnsley fans don’t.

It’s no coincidence how much better we played without fans in imo.

 

I disagree.

 

I think he has a point oakwell is usually painfully quiet and many people can't wait to get on some players back

 

I do get the point but surely as a professional footballer you want to be performing in front of the fans. Yes Oakwell can be quiet sometimes but there is usually positive noise too.

 

Think there are a lot of contributing factors to the lack of atmosphere at Oakwell. The sides not being connected is one of them. The dilapidated state of the half used West Stand another. The lack of standing which killed the atmosphere at many grounds.

facilities at Oakwell remain poor. The franchise system doesn’t supply a great service to fans with high prices and low quality. There had been a dislocation between supporters and owners since Dennis left. We did look to get this back when Mansford was here but it’s fair to say it’s stalled since.

The last time I remember a oakwell really rocking other than in one off games was the 3-3 with Stoke on Boxing Day several moons ago. I think it’s fair to say that the attrition of fighting relegation year after year with little to celebrate took its toll. We are used to dull failure.

The cures are not cheap. Fill in the sides. Renovate the west stand. Improve facilities. But the biggest thing for me would cost nothing other than time and energy to really fix us as a community based club both on and off the pitch with strong roots and respect.

 

I'd agree with that but to be honest, If a professional footballer can't handle that, they need to go and get a proper job.

 

Well, he'd already stated that he'd come off social media. And he was improving even before lockdown. I'm not sure how much individual stuff you hear in the midst of playing. CoVID had benefitted us without doubt, the constant schedule benefits younger players. Be interesting to hear an honest answer from Mads though, although I still think playing now is more like playing in the U23s and surely as a professional player you want to experience more than that?

 

I think behind closed doors games has had a bigger positive impact on our away form. Won at loftus road (x2), Ashton gate, hillsborough, pride park for the first time in a long time