Humble Pie Thread

Lovely post Stahlrost.

I've never had a problem with the principle of sustainability, and I fully accept that selling players achieves that sustainability in the long term for "clubs like Barnsley".

I've also never questioned their integrity or intentions around financial aspects of owning and running our club, but hand on heart, after being "patient" following relegation under Morais and then a truly wonderful season under Stendel, I thought the transfer dealings that summer really questioned the balance they were giving between running a sustainable club and an actual competitive football team. It felt like a lost opportunity at the time, all capped off by the dismissal of Stendel, which irrespective of the reasons behind it, could have and should have been more conciliatory in the public eye.

I genuinely didn't see any sign of the improvement in player performance that we have seen towards the end of last season, and throughout this one either.

I watched the video posted by Kendraytyke a couple of days back, with Skinner Normanton and Danny Blanchflower on it, their reflections on what we are about as a town and a people, how the game is simply about dreams and glories. As a supporter, having hope of some success is vital, and it doesn't matter what level the club is playing at, and we are on the verge of something truly special. Promotion in 1997 was pure football romance and glory, if we achieve the same in 5 weeks' time, whilst it might not have the same special memory of, if you will, "the first time", it may arguably send out a far stronger signal to the rest of football about what can be done by setting out principles, living within one's means, holding your nerve etc. Achieving a play off spot feels unreal, achieving promotion in the current football climate will arguably be a greater achievement than in 1997.

I'm pleased for many people at our club that we've achieved a top 6 spot, we rarely know such heady heights. I'm pleased for our supporters, backroom staff, the front line staff, media team, players, coaching team, and our board. Getting over the line and achieving a footballing miracle would underpin our club for years, although I hope we don't change our principles. The last 6 seasons for our club have been the real life highs and lows for everyone involved.

 

Agreed.

The Board have learned from previous mistakes and have made some very, very good decisions.

Well done to everyone involved.

 

Thought he’d have mentioned Steve Marriott at the very least

 

Say what? You not sticking around for the playoffs?

 

Each to their own Shed & I respect your view but Mr Conway does not owe me an apology & to be honest until you mentioned it I had completely forgotten about it , thats how much his comments bothered me & whilst individuals like yourself would like an apology I doubt the town as a whole would be thinking the same but each to their own .

 

After a 12 month sabatical reading this I might decide to post again.

 

I don't need an apology either.
There's lots that was said back then but also a lot that wasn't said.
However now is not the time.
Now is the time for a whole group of new heroes and these boys are that. Without a shadow of doubt.
I will repeat myself.....top to bottom.....we're all joined up and that's what has enabled our progress.
Outstanding.

 

Thanks to you all, some great comments on this thread. We've all had differing views of the last couple of years, but now more than ever we're surely together behind the club? We've now got 5 matches in the next 5 weeks. If we win the last 3 of those 5, we'll be in the Premier League. Let that sink in.

 

I agree with pretty much everything you've said, and am delighted to join you in a portion of humble pie. This has been an incredible achievement, and much credit to the board for the plan they've put in place and the appointment of Ismael in particular. He's worked miracles.

The Stendel business left a bad taste, but I'm willing to believe lessons have been learned about how to build relationships with the fans and I don't think it'd happen again.

The one thing I wish they'd sort is the money owed to the Cryne family and the threat of moving away from Oakwell. I'd like to think that things have moved on since this was in the public eye, and if it's moved any closer towards a solution, I think it would do all parties a benefit to communicate so.