No amount of DNA, layering or endeavour could save Keith Hill from the dreaded axe last night, as a third straight home defeat which left the club rooted firmly to the bottom of the Championship was seen by the Oakwell heirachy as the 'right' time to end the managers eighteen month tenure.
To say 2012 has been a bad year for the football club would be somewhat of an understatement.
In this, my first blog update for over ten weeks, I take a look back at King Keith's reign, attempt to pinpoint just where it all went wrong, and of course assess the likely candidates as we again begin the search for yet another new manager.
Regular readers of the blog, my followers on twitter, those who read my posts on forums etc, will be fully aware that Keith Hill was my choice for manager when Mark Robins departed Oakwell in May of 2011. I was right behind the appointment of a certain Nigel Spackman all those years ago, too. I'm clearly the last man to advise the BFC board on our next appointment!
But just as I did with Nigel, I eventually lost the faith I had in Keith.
It started to wane for me a few weeks ago. I was at the Reebok stadium, and yet again Keith decided to contradict himself with his team selection. The previous week, he'd spoken of players making individual errors, and that he could no longer protect them. That instead, he had to protect himself and his own future.
That day in Keith's hometown was the beginning of the end for myself, so far as backing him went.
He again selected the habitual failures. They again contributed to us conceding another soft goal.
The fact that we got a point that day didn't - for me personally - disguise a fundamental issue with the manager. So far as team selection went, he was either pig-headedly stubborn, or he couldn't see the wood for the trees. Probably both, in retrospect.
It was around this time that he was given the funds to bring in four loanees. He quite rightly bolstered our attacking options with Marcus Tudgay and Emile Sinclair, but strangely added another two midfielders, in Jonathan Greening and Akos Buzsaky. Yes, the same Akos Buzsaky who rejected the opportunity to join us in pre-season..
Again, Keith had seemingly chosen to ignore our quite obvious weakness - the centre half position.
And so we went into the home clash with top-of-the-table Cardiff City, again with Scott Wiseman and Jimmy McNulty as our pairing in central defence. The not-so dynamic duo who had a week previous cost us yet again at Bolton.
Meanwhile, sat at home twiddling their thumbs were defensive stalwarts Bobby Hassell and Stephen Foster..
An expected defeat it may have been, but the fact that we matched our lofty opponents only to be denied by our own defensive inabilities was hard to stomach. Again, Wiseman in particular had a torrid afternoon.
After a midweek home draw with Burnley, we were battered by Watford at Vicarage Road. This time, it was Jimmy McNulty's turn to have a nightmare. And the new midfield men recruited - Greening and Buzsaky - were clearly no improvement on the likes of Hassell (still AWOL at this time), Jacob Mellis or Stephen Dawson.
Thankfully, the addition of Tudgay looked to be a rare success in the loan market for Keith. His second goal in as many games was well-taken, albeit a last minute consolation as we went down 4-1.
This defeat and its manner, instigated the first real calls on forums and twitter/facebook etc, for a managerial change.
We travelled to high-flying Leicester City next, and despite snatching an unlikely 2-1 lead, thanks in part to a wonder strike from recalled teenager Reuben Noble-Lazarus, we were denied a victory late on as more poor defending cost us. In fact, once more, both goals came about through shoddy individual errors, Martin Cranie and Wiseman most culpable.
And so we went into the local derby with relegation rivals Sheffield Wednesday, both sat in the bottom three, and both without a victory in weeks. In fact, the Owls had lost their last 7 games. If ever there was a 'must win' fixture then this one fitted the bill.
A tea-time kick off, as prescribed by Sky Sports, just before Christmas, during a recession, and the BFC board in their infinite wisdom decided to stick with their ludicrous £28 entrance fee.
An attendance of 12,484 - the lowest ever turnout for this particular fixture - said it all. I never thought I'd see such a day. A personal low for me as a Tarn supporter.
If that wasn't embarrassing enough, Barnsley were awful in the first half, and went into the break a goal behind. An unfair challenge on Luke Steele went unpunished, and Keith Hill target Chris O'Grady fired into the empty net. Typical.
The introductions of David Perkins, Jim O'Brien and Marlon Harewood made a difference after the break, as we dominated the game massively. However, our usual profligacy in front of goal cost us, and extended our winless run to 11 games. Bleak times, indeed.
Along with many a reds supporter, I'd been calling for a recall for club legend Bobby Hassell for some time. And the following weekend we got our wish, as he started in midfield at the New Den against a Millwall side pushing for the playoffs.
Despite the game being 'controlled' by everybody's favourite official, Trevor Kettle, who as per usual attempted to be the centre of attention, it was the reds who stood out. Other than a wobbly last 20 minutes it was a fine performance, and whilst it took us until the last kick of the game to gain the victory, it was well-deserved.
Perhaps this would be the turning point?
Perhaps not. As on Boxing Day, the festive cheer was in short supply at Oakwell, as Birmingham City were gifted three vital points.
Keith decided to stick Hassell at centre half alongside McNulty, and despite a sound defensive performance from most, it was inevitably the height of the visitors that caused us problems, as both Blues goals came from set-pieces where their centre half rose unchallenged to power headers past the flat-footed Steele in goal.
That was all the visitors could muster. It was all they needed to muster, though. As yet again our own improvidence in front of goal let us down.
A golden opportunity went begging when a clearly bereft of confidence Chris Dagnall stabbed wide when it was easier to score. And an even greater chance arose when we were awarded a rare penalty.
Up stepped top scorer and fresh from the subs bench Craig Davies. His 'attempt' from the spot is still rising as you read this. Yes, it was that bad.
Despite yet another miserable defeat, the only boos ringing out around Oakwell that night weren't aimed at the manager, but were aimed at his bizarre decision to replace the game's most effective player David Perkins. In his post-match interview he used some excuse about needing Perkins fit for future games. Which I found quite strange, considering the very real possibility that future games were unlikely to be on Keith's agenda...
It was all so different a feeling, the last time we'd faced Birmingham. A 5-0 mauling of Blues in their own backyard, inspired by 4 goal hero Davies, had reds fans dreaming of better things. But you'd have to say that weekend was possibly the real turning point..
Talks of this mythical 'takeover' emerged. Talk of Keith losing his job. Talk of Keith applying for other Championship vacancies. Talk of Davies, Mellis and John Stones leaving for bigger clubs.
However true the talk was, it certainly rocked the boat in my opinion.
Either that, or you deem the thrashing at St. Andrews as a fluke. A flash in the pan performance.
It matters not, now. It's gone, and so has Keith...
Yesterday, again in my opinion, Keith signed his own death warrant. He dropped the impressive Stones and Hassell, and brought back Wiseman and Done. It's that kind of recklessness with team selection that began to ruin my love affair with 'King Keith' and trust me, my faith in him had disappeared after the Wednesday shambles. I haven't called for his head as such, but I withdrew my defence/support of him after that game. If he'd been dismissed then, then just as now I'd have not disagreed with it.
We lost on Boxing Day. But most of us would have agreed that wholesale changes weren't needed yesterday. We could have gone with the exact eleven that started against City, but recalling Foster for McNulty. Instead, he drops four of our better players, recalling others undeservedly.
For instance, Davies. He's either totally unfit, or totally demotivated. His display yesterday was as bad as I've witnessed from a reds striker. And I've watched Dave Regis, Richard Naylor and Kayode Odejayi...
Surprisingly (or not) we started out quite well against managerless Blackburn Rovers. Tudgay, Dawson and Golbourne were impressing, but to be honest we still lacked a real threat in the final third.
Rovers looked as poor as the last few sides to visit Oakwell, but as so often under Keith Hill, we didn't make our superiority count, and so it came as no surprise to see the opposition score with pretty much their first venture into our half. And it was again that man Wiseman lacking in the defensive stakes. Not helped out by Jim O'Brien on this occasion, to be fair. It was a somewhat fortuitous goal, but could have been averted had we had say a better full back on the pitch. Say, Bobby Hassell or John Stones....?
Their second goal was even worse in my opinion.
I'll admit to not being a fan of Wiseman, but I'm forever told by his few supporters that he's "lightning quick" and so it amazes me just how many times he's left asleep by his opponent. It happened again, and the "Oh Bobby Hassell" chants began...
I will however say this, that the booing of Scott each time he then got the ball was not something I appreciated. Some have suggested to me that it was done in an attempt to get Keith to sub him, to make their point etc. But even so, I find booing an individual player quite poor form. But hey ho, each to their own and all that.
I'm guessing that Keith brought him and Done off at half time for that reason - to protect them, rather than as an admittance that he'd once again got his selections all wrong.
I thought Stones and Noble-Lazarus were a big improvement in the second half, and served only to highlight the managers mistake.
To be fair though, that second half was as bad as I've seen this season at Oakwell. I could never fault the players for effort or commitment up to that point. But in that second 45, many of them didn't seem up for the fight.
Dawson was one of the exceptions, and his terrific goal gave us vain hopes for a comeback. He's not spectacular, he's pretty average, but he always grafts, looks like he cares. As Keith says, he's a winner.
Unfortunately, another grafter in Tudgay was seriously injured (best wishes to Marcus and I hope he makes a speedy recovery) and that seemed to kill any brief thoughts of an equaliser.
The third Rovers goal didn't come about due to an £8M strikers ability, but more the lack of ability in our £70,000 centre half.
| Time to go |
I usually sit in the upper tier of the West Stand these days, and at half time I had a brief chat with friends in the media. The word was that should we lose, Keith would be sacked. So it didn't come as a surprise to me when learning of his dismissal.
What did surprise me, was the feeling of sadness that came over me. I had given up on Keith a couple of weeks ago. I wasn't calling for his head, but my faith had evaporated.
But I'd got home around 5pm, and me and the girlfriend took the dog straight out for his walk. It was then that we got the news of Keith's demise. And even if I didn't quite understand the feeling of sadness that came over me, my girlfriend did. She knows more than anybody just how much I'd thrown my lot in with Keith. I'm fortunate to have a partner who understands that football isn't just a game, and that my club is a big part of my life.
I will remember the few good times he brought to the club - the double over Leeds last season. The 4 game winning streak where at the time the feeling amongst the Oakwell faithful was as good as it's been since the 1990's. Beating Leicester away last season. The thumping of Birmingham. The many hilarious quotes he made. The dress-sense. The way he pronounces the names of certain players. Rochdale away..
I'd also like to thank him for playing Jacob Butterfield. For recruiting Ricardo Vaz Te, David Perkins, Scott Golbourne, Craig Davies, Jacob Mellis and Stephen Dawson. They all had their moments under Keith.
I'd like to forget the many bad times. To forget the bad recruits. To forget the offensive comments about our club and its supporters. To forget the treatment of one or two of our valued players.
And finally, I'd like to wish him the best, in his future endeavours.
So long, Keith. It's been emotional...
And so here we are again. On the search for a new manager.
Let's take a look at some of the names currently in the running (if you believe the bookies etc)
| SEAN O'DRISCOLL |
Highly thought of among fellow managers. Likes his sides to play attractive football. Had a modicum of success on small budgets.
A stark contrast between himself and Keith in terms of persona.
Seems to be the outstanding candidate for many, but perhaps his 'long term' approach may put off the BFC board who clearly see survival as paramount - otherwise, why sack Keith?
| PHIL BROWN |
Took Hull City to the Premier League for the first time in their history, in his first full season in charge.
Known for recruiting experienced players, and playing direct football at a high tempo.
Often in trouble with the FA.
Remembered for holding his half-time team-talk on the pitch, against Man City in the Premier League.
| NICK BARMBY |
His team played an attractive brand of football.
Supposedly dismissed after criticising the club owners about finance.
Currently unemployed, and coaching local Sunday League clubs.
| GARY MEGSON |
Currently unemployed.
Has a reputation for long-ball tactics.
A bit of a character, not afraid to speak his mind. A very active 'touchline' operator.
Despite his reputation, his record is better than a lot of other candidates..
His allegiance to Wednesday (a Wednesday fan, and ex manager/player) could put a lot of reds fans off.
| PAUL TISDALE |
The most successful manager in Exeter's history.
Former League Two manager of the year.
Known for an attacking style of football, and for spending little if anything on transfer fees.
Similar to Keith in many ways, including his dress-sense.
Would be a big risk to appoint a manager with little experience at this level, in our current predicament.
| RUSSELL SLADE |
After Keith Hill initially turned us down last year, Slade was approached, but O's owner Barry Hearn refused him position to talk to us.
Done a brilliant job, playing good football at Brisbane Road.
Considering the fan-feeling last year, the BFC board would be very brave to go back in for Slade.
Made Stephen Dawson his focal point, and captain of Orient..
| OWEN COYLE |
Had great success at Burnley, guiding them to the Premier League.
Not so long ago that he was touted as a future 'top 4 club' manager.
Known for playing 'proper' football, and developing youngsters.
Would be a long shot, in my opinion. Would he want to come? Doubt it.
Of course, there are many other potential candidates. Too many to mention.
I would just like to remind you, that I wanted Keith Hill. I also agreed with Nigel Spackman's appointment. So feel free to totally disregard the next paragraph...
For me, I'd like to see Gary Megson.
Yes, I know that's bound to be an unpopular appointment with many, but his record at this level speaks for itself, and with little money either.
He's got a reputation for direct football, but whenever I've seen his teams play whilst admittedly they ARE direct, he does like to use two out and out wingers with pace. Defensively, I think he could be the answer, too. You have to remember, that the likes of Scott Wiseman have had Keith Hill and him only, in their ears as players, for some years. A new man, whoever that may be will have his own ideas, his own methods and you have to hope that the likes of Wiseman, Done, McNulty and Dagnall etc, can learn from the new gaffer/coaches and improve.
I wouldn't say no to quite a few candidates though to be fair.
I quite like Tisdale, but feel he'd be too similar to Keith.
A name that isn't appearing in the betting, but gets a fair few mentions on twitter and the club forums, is that of former reds defender and Crewe manager Steve Davis.
Again, I'd be keen, but it's another Keith-esque appointment, so a risk.
I suppose we'll have to wait and see, but in the short term it falls on Keith's sidekick Dave 'Flicker' Flitcroft to lead out the lads on New Years Day against Peterborough.
I admit that I found the decision to offer it Flicker in the interim staggering, unless the club know something we don't. He's Keith's best friend, even away from football, and so it surprises me that we're basically sticking with one half of 'Hillcroft'.
It also surprises me that Flicker himself has took it on. I can only assume that Keith is okay with it, otherwise he's risking a friendship, isn't he?
Or maybe, Flitcroft realises that this could be his big chance to be a manager in his own right? I mean, if he leaves, and rejoins Keith at whatever League One/Two club offers him a job (Rochdale probably), there's no guarantee they'll achieve what they did at, erm, Rochdale. So just maybe, Flicker is thinking about himself? And if he can get off to a winning start at London Road, then who is to say he won't be the next full-time gaffer at Oakwell....?
Interesting times ahead..
Anyway, I'll take this opportunity to wish you all the best for 2013, and here's hoping for a much better year for Barnsley FC.
Remember, you can follow me 'HERE' on twitter, where I'll keep you updated on any further articles.
UP THE TARN!
