FLITCROFT - BACKED. CRACKED? SACKED!

The adventure is over. No more chasing waterfalls. The memory maker, the mastermind of last seasons great escape, David Flitcroft was last night relieved of his duties as first team manager at Oakwell. This, after yet another display that resembled nothing like the heroic performances that got him the job on a permanent basis just six months ago. 

Yesterday saw us defeated for the tenth time this season, from just 17 games. It was the third successive game in which we'd failed to score. It was the last in a sequence of six so-called 'winnable' games. We won one of them, against Middlesbrough back in the middle of October. A game where if we're honest we were very fortunate to get anything at all. But we didn't build upon that fortune. The games against Wednesday, Doncaster, Ipswich and Millwall were all there for the taking, but the players couldn't put together a full 90 minute performance in any of them, and in the end we're now six points adrift at the foot of the Championship table with a goal difference so negative I'm naming it Victor Meldrew... 

So how did it go so badly wrong, so blummin' soon? 

Well, hindsight is a wonderful thing, and in this particular update of the blog I'll be doing my best to explain where and why I think it went awry. Although without being conceited, I think I've outlined in previous blog updates where it was going wrong. I've also spent many an hour this season on our forum explaining where I think we were going wrong, and what I believed the manager needed to do to improve our fortunes. I wasn't alone. The mistakes being made were as blatant as much as they were costly. 

But others using the same medium argued their own points. They felt the manager had no option but to go down the route that he did. They suggested that in fact we were improving said fortunes. Which is what football boils down to in the main - opinions. And the opinion of the Barnsley Football Club board somewhere around 7pm yesterday evening was that change was needed. Again. 

I'll be giving my opinion, on that as well. 

I have also the thoughts of three fellow supporters to share. All three with their own take on what went wrong. I know that I'm an opinionated so and so, and that my views aren't shared by all. Whose are? But I thought it necessary to put over a couple of other views, and I thank them for doing so late last night. Much appreciated, lads. 

In fact, that's where we'll begin... 

Now I'm never one for sacking the manager, but I'm struggling to figure out how things have turned so suddenly for Flitcroft. It's got me thinking that last season was a complete fluke, or at least he got the players psychologically thinking they couldn't fail. Whereas this season, the same players who looked like world beaters, now look like pub players. Players such as Mellis, Kennedy, Etuhu and Perkins look to be void of all confidence, when just 8 months ago, they could do no wrong.

I think that Flicker's philosophy changed over the summer; his never say die, win at all costs attitude last season, made us very difficult to beat. Gritty displays against Cardiff, Burnley and Hull proved this. However it seemed that this wouldn't be good enough for newly relegated, FA cup holders Wigan Athletic, and from thereon in, he has adopted a 'must not lose' attitude, which invited all sorts of pressure on the back four, resulting in heavy defeats against the likes of Wigan, Blackburn and Watford. This for me was the wrong attitude, especially whilst trying out a new central defensive partnership of Cranie and M'Voto, the latter in his Championship début season. And although three of the back four for me, have gone from strength to strength, the damage was done early on.

Whilst the central defensive partnership seems to have clicked, the rest of the team seems to have got weaker as the season has gone on, to the point where we look incapable of creating any chances at all. Although I've never been a fan of Mellis, he's certainly wasted on the wing, whilst a central midfield combination of any two from Dawson, Fox and Perkins, is far too negative for my liking, and just invites more pressure on the back line. The lack of creativity from midfield means that the strikers have been given very little in the way of goalscoring opportunities. Marcus Pedersen looks a very handy finisher, however he's rarely in a goalscoring position, and hence, his two goals for the season is a rather measly return. Chris O'Grady has been more potent in attack, however he's certainly on a dry spell at present.

I believe the future lies in... well the future, namely Reuben Noble Lazarus and Paul Digby: two very promising youngsters who need to be given more game time. For me, they're both up to the task, and with the way things are going, what could they possibly do wrong? It's a shame one of them has been farmed out to Scunthorpe.

To be honest, I don't know who I want as our new manager, give it a day or two to let it sink in, then one name will jump out at me, and we'll appoint a different one, and I'll get disappointed. UP THE REDS!!!

Thanks to Chris 'archey' Arch for that. Much appreciated.

He'd lost the magic.. that's maybe all he had. Last season the team just galvanised in that moment when he took over.. we got momentum.. it kept us up.. justly in the end.. and Flicker was at the heart of it.. but it was the players that needed most credit.. it's possible the psychology was related to the players loving Hillcroft and getting behind Flicker because of it.. I don't know.. but looking back we never looked as bad as we do now under Keith.. I think recently Flicker was just throwing things in the mix.. he'd lost momentum and (I think) was picking teams on a hunch.. today he fancied the (supposed) energy of Perkins and Dawson against Brum... why? the board have acted quickly and there is more time than Flicker had last season to get us enough points but I'm really struggling to see how it can be turned round.. but a couple of wins on the bounce and the mood will change... 

Just a slightly wine induced ramble from a fan who can't get to Oakwell enough because of work but I was there today, I was there against Weds and Donny too... I loved last seasons roller coaster and enjoyed the team.. I found it an amazing season.. even if we had gone down I would have walked over broken glass to clap that team.. this season.. I've felt detached.. the magic has left the building... like I said maybe that's all he had.. magic.. and in the words of Paul Daniels "not a lot".. 

Thanks to Steve O'Connor for that. Much appreciated. 

 

It had to happen I suppose.  The run of results had been bad enough, but some of the displays have been as bad as I have seen for a long time.

From early January to May last season, Barnsley fans went on one of the most amazing roller coaster rides ever.  A team, that at times, had played like a Sunday morning pub team, suddenly took on the appearance of promotion candidates.  Yes there were hiccups (Barnsley 0 Charlton 6 comes to mind), but there were more highs than lows. Hull, Leicester, Leeds, Watford were dispatched with a vibrant attacking form of football that had the fans drooling.

And the architect of all this?  David Flitcroft.  He was the man no one wanted, the man who took temporary charge, and transformed the team.

That’s why the close season was one of real optimism for us fans.  He took the job full time, and we fully expected the new season to carry on from the previous one.

Unfortunately, it hasn’t and we have reached the point where Barnsley FC and Flicker have parted.  To many fans there is a feeling of sadness, as most of us really wanted him to succeed.  Even today, there were no “Flitcroft out” chants, just a resigned belief that his time had come.  I like the bloke, and really wanted him to succeed, and I’m saddened because he hasn’t.  Yet if he hadn’t gone, relegation looked a certainty.

So where do we go now?  Mickey Mellon has taken charge for the next two games, and so will be in a prime position if he gets decent results. 

Aside from him, the usual names have come to the fore.  Danny Wilson naturally, Ian Holloway, Gary Megson, Michael Appleton (shudder!!).   It’s to be hoped that Mansford and Watkins have a list of likely candidates already.  We can’t keep changing managers each season.  This time, it has to be the right appointment.

Thanks to Ian Lodge for that. Much appreciated. 

I think all three summaries given above show just how sad it was to have to admit that 'Flicker' had to go. The overwhelming feeling on our forum last night, on twitter and facebook was that a good bloke, a likeable bloke had proven incapable of turning it around, despite enormous backing from the fanbase and board alike. As some may imagine, I felt differently. 

I didn't find him likeable. And neither do I sympathize with a bloke who had it all going for him and then set about destroying something he looked to be building just eight months previous. 

I'm not suggesting that was his intention. I doubt he purposely chose to ruin all the good work he'd started. But nevertheless, that's what he's done. Do I agree with his dismissal? Not really, no. I don't think he's had very long and let's be fair, what he achieved last season ought to have bought him a bit more time. But he's shown little this season to give us hope, and so I'm not surprised he's got the boot, just sadenned by it.

Last season, he took over a club that was practically on its last legs. He was part of 'Hillcroft' and I wasn't the only supporter who wanted shut of him. No way could I see someone so entwined with the last manager turning it around in the manner he then did. 

He did that by first bringing in a couple of old friends, to help him out, to bring "new eyes" he said. And it must have worked, as he then changed the system in which we'd play. The return of wing backs. A bold move. A move that paid dividends as we began to turn the form book upside down, accumulating enough points to preserve our second tier status, and taking in a refreshing little cup run. 

The sale on deadline day of young John Stones was hardly felt at all. Injury to the other wing back, Scott Golbourne looked an untimely blow. But it was a blow the reds recovered from. Club stalwarts Bobby Hassell and Stephen Foster saw plenty of action, and their contributions in the latter stages of the run-in were invaluable. Luke Steele similarly, was on top form as we garnered crucial points in games against the Championship heavyweights. 

The win over Watford encapsulated everything that was good/right about Flitcroft's Barnsley last season. In your faces football. Never say die, no surrender. A great set-piece expertly dispatched by Hassell. A clean sheet. Against a free scoring side that ended up falling at the final hurdle at Wembley just a month or so later. 

The away point in Cardiff. Backs to the wall stuff at times. Steele, Hassell and Foster were marvellous that night. The latter sticking out a leg in injury time to rescue a point against the eventual runaway Champions. 

Away at Nottingham Forest, where Luke Steele lived up to his nickname of 'Superman'. With youngsters Reuben Noble-Lazarus and Andrai Jones trusted to start. Another priceless point was secured. And a huge nail into the coffin of Forest's own fading promotion hopes. 

The victory over Wolves at Oakwell. Where again Steele's heroics were key. The save he made prior to Jacob Mellis' winner was world class. He repeated those heroics when Brighton came to town. 

The circumstances were such that Flitcroft was forced to go with a small squad. No question about it, his recruiting of both Jason Scotland and Chris O'Grady were also key factors in his success. Although it has to be said, the way that Chris Dagnall and Marlon Harewood came to life and performed was equally notable. Everything he touched - Ryan Tunnicliffe aside - turned to gold.

It wasn't purely the football on show that improved. The whole atmosphere did. And the manager has to take full credit for the way he went about the vast majority of his post and pre-match interviews. They were like calls to arms. Not only motivating the squad of players, but the fanbase likewise. We felt as one. United. 

After each game, the management and players would make a point of saluting the reds faithful. Win, lose or draw. The embarrassing 6-0 spanking against Charlton at Oakwell springs to mind. The fans who stayed behind still showed their support for Flicker and his men. Made me proud. 

The final two games of that season I will never forget, for as long as I live. Different displays, different results, but again they encompassed all that was good/right about Barnsley FC under Flitcroft at that time. 

The first of those games we comfortably saw off Hull City on home soil, 2-0. It could/should have been more. The way our 3-5-2 system eclipsed their own was a joy to watch. Noble-Lazarus gave a performance that gave me a tingling feeling of excitement at what was to come (I'd hoped) the next campaign. He terrorised the soon to be Premier League Hull backline. The triumvirate up top of Dagnall, O'Grady and Mellis were unplayable. Again, hope for the new season. And Kelvin Etuhu absolutely bossed the centre of the park, as he did so often in Flitcroft's first four months at the helm. Which enabled David Perkins to seek and destroy, to ruffle the feathers of opponents. 

Seriously, that performance was as good as I've seen from a reds side, pre or post Premier League. 

May the 4th 2013 will be a date forever etched into the memory of every reds supporter, the day we confirmed our Championship status for a record breaking 76th season, and in a manner that will probably never be seen again. It was an amazing afternoon. A day to cherish. 

We set up that afternoon very differently. Jim O'Brien right back in a four man defence, Stephen Dawson ahead of him on the wing. Tom Kennedy shifting to left back. Mellis left wing. Perkins and Etuhu central. 

It didn't work well in the main. But who cared? We got a point, Crystal Palace did their bit and we survived to live another season. 

But was May the 4th also the day that the rot set in? Because based on the evidence before us this season, it seems Flitcroft saw the system used that day as the way forward. But before that, we had a Summer of optimism to enjoy, as reds supporters seemingly got everything - give or take - that they could have wished for.. 

The full time job was Flitcroft's if he wanted it. He did, but only after 'assurances' at board level. The board itself then changed. It was toodle pip to everybody's favourite whipping boy, GM Don Rowing, and hello to young pup and former football agent (don't we hate them?) Ben Mansford. We also welcomed a new chairman in former Manchester United director Maurice Watkins, who has his fingers in more pies than Desperate Dan. 

New signings were warmly received, and the heroes of last season retained. Except for the odd one. Foster bit the dust, as did Harewood and so too could Steele and Hassell have fell the same way had the manager got his wish. And so began the dismemberment of everything good/right about Barnsley FC under the stewardship of one David Flitcroft.. 

When I looked at our squad in the Summer, I felt positive, optimistic that we'd got a better/stronger group. I felt that perhaps this season would finally see us reach mid table, no longer struggling to keep ourselves afloat in an ever strengthening Championship. We had the personnel to employ the 3-5-2 (5-3-2) system that served us so well last season, and the additions to the playing staff were on paper, sensible ones. 

But what has developed over the last four months is a mile away from those expectations. We've barely used that formation. We've barely used key players that thrived in that formation, and barely used the football full stop. We take the mickey out of the Sheffield clubs for the propensity to 'hoof' their way up the field. Well, the 'football' served up by Flicker and his team this season has been as direct as I've witnessed in my time as a reds supporter. And defensive. Or scared. Possibly both. 

There were signs of things coming together against Charlton first half, and certainly in our next home fixture, the victory over Huddersfield that saw a return to 3-5-2. Both strikers within 10 yards of each other. Two attacking wing backs penning back the opposing wide players. And invention mixed with grit and determination in the middle of the park. 

The only worry for me at that juncture was our somewhat suspect centre halves. Namely, 'Big John'. But we had Hassell and Jimmy McNulty to call upon if need be. Experience at this level. 

But what did Flicker do? 

He went back to 4-4-2. He ignored Hassell, again. He'd already dispensed of Steele, and recruited his best man and good pal Mike Pollitt. And recruited yet another defender in Peter Ramage. Despite just days earlier stating Noble-Lazarus was now 'a man' who 'deserved' to start games, he too was dropped. And we went on to lose every game in September, conceding a hatful of goals. 

He received further backing, bringing in Jack Butland and David Fox. And some suggest that the football and results have improved since then. My opinion was that we were merely facing opponents just as poor as ourselves, and still not winning games. I think time has proven that to be the sad reality of the situation. 

We've a bloke scoring a goal every two games up front (at the time) and Flitcroft plonks him on the left wing. Our most disappointing player of the season is seen by Flitcroft as some sort of playmaker, seeing so much of the ball it bordered on the obsessive. Week in, week out we're starting with a central midfield duo without a goal or assist in them. Instead, plonking our midfield creator out there on the left as well. To the left, to the left. Everything they do it stems from the left.... good old Beyoncé. 

I accepted watching some right garbage under Keith Hill. I knew what it was he was trying to do. Some think otherwise, but I honestly think the bloke was following a clear strategy that had been agreed at board level. He got a lot right, Keith. In fact, Flitcroft profited from some of it. John Stones in particular. 

Yes, he had to go. But at least I understood what it was he'd attempted. 

I thought I understood the Flicker 'vision', too. He told us when he was appointed full time that the squad had to 'evolve'. I agreed. And I saw the signings of Jennings, M'Voto, O'Grady and Pedersen as us evolving. But evolution takes time. You don't fix something that's not broke. You don't forget the efforts of your keeper after a hammering, replace him with your mate and then in interview defend your mate after another hammering. That keeper he dispensed of, the one he tried damned hard to get shut of, he was key to the success of last season, and, the only player to go public in the press in saying Flicker deserved the job full time. Telling people he was "too old" for a two year contract. Then loaning a 41 year old. Aye. Flicker did that. 

I know he didn't like Hassell. In fact, he made that obvious last season in his first wobble as manager, in the interview where he spoke about two players at length and then threw a hissy fit when someone dared to ask about Bobby. We forgave that. And when he had no players left and HAD to pick him, he was instrumental. He played well. He still offered him a poor contract initially, hoping he'd follow Foz out the door. But he stayed. That stung, didn't it? So he made him train with the kids, picked anybody but him, despite our charitable defending. Just stupid. 

I was impressed when he stated that Paul Digby signing a new contract was "great news.. if we get 100 games on his CV, he'll be ready for the top". So too was I impressed when he told us Noble-Lazarus deserved his opportunity, that no way would he be loaned out. 

He made a right pigs ear of that as well. 

So no, I'm not sympathetic. I'm sad, but don't feel sorry for him or owt. He failed. It happens to the best of us. He got a lot wrong. I do not have a clue what his vision was, nor what it was he was attempting to build. And let's be honest, it's football management. He's going to receive a juicy payoff for that failure. The last time I was sacked I had to sign on the dole.. 

I will though, thank him for getting it so very right in his first four months. I'll thank him for being in charge when we scoffed at the odds and pulled off the impossible. And that, that is how I'll remember him. I will quickly forget the mistakes now. I've had a whinge and a moan, I've given my thoughts. I will look back on Flicker's tenure and remember the good, and not the bad times. I've done the same thing with Keith. 

So Flicker? Thanks a lot for your hard work, your time given, and what you brought to this club from January 1st to May 4th. I wish you the absolute best in your future endeavours, wish you and your loved ones good health, and if ever you return to Oakwell I will applaud you for the good times you brought us. 

So where do we go from here? Who do we appoint? What's the strategy? 


If we're aiming to stay up, and to stick with this short term vision, I'd like to see an experienced man in charge this time around, after a succession of near novices over the last 8 years. Just under a year ago on this very blog, we were looking for a new manager and I suggested the same bloke I'm suggesting once more, and yes, I know it's unlikely and I know it's not a popular suggestion. 

Gary Megson. 


He's a proven success at this level. In fact, he's a proven manager at the level above. He's battle hardened, knows the area and would get results. 



However, my personal choice is for a new strategy. To end the short-termism that's engulfed our club for so long. To accept that yes indeed we ARE unable to compete at this level under the strategy we're currently implementing. Let's accept that we're unlikely to stay up this season. In fact, even if we do manage it again, we'll be down at the bottom again next season, and so on. Some might be happy with that. Me, I'm not. I've chosen not to attend the last two home games (picked two good uns, to be fair). The apathy has set in. And I couldn't really justify the cost when in reality the only part of the day I would miss would be meeting up with mates beforehand. I can do that without the football. 

Let's be brave and get someone in and put out a statement that promises the bloke will be here come what may. We're going to stick with it. We're going to play a lot of the younger lads, and try something different. We're going to play a system, a brand of football and stick with it. A proper vision. And even if we're relegated, we'll stick with him/it. Get the message across, get the supporters on board. And stay brave. If we're losing seven games on the spin, we stick with it. That's the club, the fans, everybody. 


I've no idea how we go about that, and I'm pretty sure that the majority reading this would be totally against it. But come on. We need to try something different. The owner told us all - when Mark Robins went - that we 'were' about to do things differently. That loans wouldn't be relied upon, that the youth talent would be selected etc. They then allowed the next two managers to go against that at the first sign of trouble. 

Be brave. Be Barnsley. 

Sounds like some kind of stupid branding idea from a Leeds based media company that, doesn't it? 



Thanks for reading. 


Up The Tarn! 


We could always appoint this bloke again........ look what Keith's doing second time around.

SEASON 2013-14 UPDATE

 

We're a third of the way through this season and so I've had a look back at events so far and tried to evaluate just where we're at as we approach the busy Winter period where games will start to come thick and fast. 

Before I assess the contribution of each man used so far by David Flitcroft, I'm going to put down some statistics which can be used in various ways to either support or criticise both Flicker himself and his squad of players. Enjoy yourself doing that, if you're that way out. I wouldn't dream of it myself.... 

~ Flicker has used 27 different players this season 


~ The Reds have played 17 games (League and Cup) so far this term 


~ We have scored 17 goals over those games


~ We've conceded 36 goals 


~ 2 clean sheets achieved 


~ 16 yellow cards accrued 


~ 2 red cards 


~ The Reds have won 2 games this season 


~ We've drawn 6 of them 


~ And lost 9 


~ We have accumulated 11 points so far in the league


~ Averaging 0.73 points per game 


~ The Reds have scored first in 5 of our 15 league games 


~ When scoring first, we've won 2, drawn 2 and lost 1 


~ We've conceded the first goal in 9 games 


~ When conceding first, we've drawn 2 and lost 7 


~ Our record of just 1 clean sheet, is the lowest of all Championship clubs who've played 15 games 


~ We're averaging 2.06 goals against us per game, the worst record in the Championship 


~ If games ended after 45 minutes, we'd have 18 points (W4, D6, L5) 


~ If only the second 45 minutes counted, we'd be on 7 points (W1, D4, L10) 


~ The Reds have gained 2 points from losing positions this season 


~ When leading in games at half time (4 times) the Reds haven't lost 


~ We've 1 point from our 7 away games, the worst record in the Championship (Yeovil next worst with 5 away points) 

Some pretty horrific statistics I'm sure we all agree. It's not been the kind of season we'd all hoped for during the buzz of the Summer, where optimism returned to Oakwell for the first time in some years. The last few weeks/games have probably given those 'damn' statistics a better look, which says a lot about what has been - in all honesty - the worst start to a season I've ever witnessed. That's 25 years of football. A lot of it quite average. but yes, I'm struggling to recall a more soul destroying first third of a campaign. In fact, statistically speaking, we've to go right back to 1986 to find a poorer start. In that year, we began the season with six successive league defeats. We had to wait until the 26th September to record our first win - 1-0 away at Grimsby Town. But that season was transformed in the New Year, and in fact the Reds finished 11th in the end, losing just two of the last twelve games, and emerging victorious in four of the final five. 

So there's room for optimism right there, back in the past. And if we're trying to find a similar turnaround, then we don't even have to go that far back to find some crumbs of comfort. The majority of this squad, under this same manager, were dead and buried as 2013 was ushered in. We all know what happened afterwards, so yes, this season is not over, not by a long stretch. 

PLAYER ASSESSMENT 

Appearances: 7 

Goals Conceded: 18 

Clean Sheets: 1 



After a strange Summer where he was first offered just a 12 month new deal, where the manager deemed his age as the reason, Luke eventually signed an improved two year contract on reportedly reduced terms. The captain wasn't in the greatest of form in the embryonic stage of the season, as the Reds defence were shipping goals for fun. This led to Flicker dropping Steele, and replacing him with 41 year old loanee Mike Pollitt, who himself then went on to concede nine goals in his three starts. 
Luke reappeared for the 1-0 away defeat against Bournemouth, but after the Reds were thrashed 5-1 by Watford at Oakwell, Flicker again moved into the loan market and in came England international Jack Butland. 
We haven't seen anything of Steele since, not even as a sub, as he's apparently suffering from an injury. We're told he's had a setback every week. 

Appearances: 7 

Goals Conceded: 9 

Clean Sheets: 1 




In something of a coup, the Reds recruited England stopper Jack Butland at the end of September on loan from Stoke City, and the young keeper has been in goal ever since as the Reds defence has slowly been shored up. How much of that is down to Butland I'm not sure, as I've seen little from him to be able to suggest he's light years ahead of Steele. That's no slight on him. I've been impressed actually, and based purely on this season, I'd have to say he's looked the better keeper. But it's my opinion that having a settled side - back four especially - in front of him, has definitely helped. 
I'm pleased that he's here, and in the Sheffield Wednesday match in particular I think he was near faultless and saved us from losing that one. But January will be interesting as I can't see him being here after that. 

Appearances: 17 

Goals Scored: 0 

Assists: 2 




If 2012 was a nightmare year for Scott Wiseman, then 2013 has been a dream. From villain to hero. From League Two 'gash' to International footballer. You can only be congratulatory in the circumstances. The lad was wrote off by the vast majority of Reds supporters - none more so than myself - and has buckled down fantastically over the last eight months or so and is now widely considered one of our most consistent performers. 
I can't get too carried away, though. He still has his 'moments' (Forest away springs to mind) and for me I think he lacks confidence in his own ability at times. But in a season that's so far gone wrong in so many aspects, Wisey is one of the shining lights. More of the same over the next six months and I've no doubt we'll be struggling to retain his services next Summer. And who'd have thunk that?? 

Appearances: 11 

Goals Scored: 0 

Assists: 0 




Injured in the 4-0 opening day hammering by Wigan Athletic, we had to wait until the middle of September to see Martin Cranie back in the first team. The defender signed an improved two year deal in the Summer and is widely regarded as our best option in defence. And since his return to action has coincided with our improved form - defensively in particular - you'd have to agree with that opinion. 
Recently begun to strike up a decent understanding with Jean-Yves M'Voto, and without doubt the first name on the teamsheet in terms of defenders. 
Similar to Wiseman in that he is prone to the occasional lapse in concentration, and also has a tendency to try doing the jobs of his full backs, but he wins plenty of aerial duels and is one of the best 'footballing' centre halves we've had down at Oakwell in recent years. 

Appearances: 12 

Goals Scored: 0 

Assists: 0 




Snatched from under the nose of Doncaster Rovers in the Summer, French man mountain Jean-Yves M'Voto has had an eventful start to his BFC career. Error strewn performances throughout August, clumsily sent off away at Blackburn, and comically unlucky not to score against Huddersfield after charging 70 yards down the field like Vieira in his pomp. 
I think the injuries to Nyatanga and Cranie saw M'Voto given more first team action than maybe Flicker would have liked, but it has to be said that his performances have improved of late. He's superb in the air, and no slouch. And if he can iron out the deficiencies in his game, I think we've got a promising talent on our hands. I do however believe, that he'll continue to cost us goals/games as we see that gradual improvement. He and Tom Kennedy appear to be on totally different wavelengths in matches, such is their shocking inability to hold the line in tandem. 
The definitive 'work in progress' is our 'Big John'. 

Appearances: 16 

Goals Scored: 0 

Assists: 2 




Another defender retained off the back of last seasons 'great escape', Tom Kennedy signed an improved two year contract and has continued to be a regular in Flicker's starting lineup. The former Leicester man was used as part of a three man defence last term, and excelled there in my opinion. However, as a left back his defensive abilities this season have been shown up rather badly. Lacks the pace required at this level to deal with the best wingers, as was shown against Middlesbrough, Watford and Blackburn in particular. Seems half asleep from dead ball situations, and his right leg is basically just for standing on (Charlton's equalizer was stoppable, had he used that right leg). 
He seems to see more of the ball than any of our players, which quite frankly astounds me. We're not talking Neil Thompson or Darren Barnard here, whose goals and assists were plentiful. I'm afraid Tom is being overrated by his manager. 
His corners/crossing leave a lot to be desired, and he's absolutely no threat to the opposing full back. I am a big fan of the 3-5-2 system we used so well last term, and I'd have no qualms with seeing TK as a part of that three man defence. But it's my opinion that this season, as a left back, that he's our weak link, much in the same way as Wiseman was last season, to the point now where - like Wisey was - the opposition are targeting him. 
I will defend him on one point though, and that's that the player played ahead of him on the left wing is usually a waste of a shirt in terms of tracking back and helping Tom out defensively. 
I know a lot of my fellow supporters don't agree with my views on TK, and it wouldn't be the first time I've misjudged the abilities of one of our players. 

Appearances: (1) 

Goals Scored: 0 

Assists: 0 





Club legend Bobby Hassell put pen to paper on a new 12 month deal in the Summer, on vastly reduced terms if reports are to be believed, and that decision - on the managers part - seems a strange one now, considering the events of this season so far. Despite the ridiculous amount of goals conceded, the many injuries in defence, Bobby's sole appearance thus far was as a second half substitute in the 2-0 defeat at QPR. 
I think it's great that he's still here for what is his testimonial season, but to retain him on that basis alone I find unfair, as not at any point do I think he's shown signs of being no longer good enough. He was plenty good enough the last time he was given a run of games, in fact I'd suggest he was pretty key to a fair amount of valuable points accrued in the run-in last season. And having witnessed the often dire efforts of some of the regularly selected defenders this campaign I'm left wondering just what it is about Bobby that has seen him alienated as a player by both Keith Hill, and now Flicker. 
Needs just five more appearances to reach 300 in total for The Reds. At this moment in time, I fear he'll fall short of what would be a landmark to be proud of. And, I doubt I'll ever see another Tarn laiker stay here for a decade, such is modern football. 

Appearances: 5 

Goals Scored: 0 

Assists: 0 




Hugely experienced Championship centre half, Peter Ramage arrived on loan to shore up the leaky Reds backline, but in his five starts for the club he looked nothing like a defender with two successive promotions from this division on his CV. We lost four of those five games. 
Suffered injury at QPR, and is still thought to be a couple of weeks off a return to action. I hope to see a vast improvement from him upon that return. 

Appearances: 1 

Goals Scored: 0 

Assists: 0 




Another defender who signed a new deal in the Summer, Jimmy McNulty has never really featured for a variety of reasons under Flicker, and after just one appearance in the League Cup, he was farmed out on loan to League One Tranmere, where he's currently impressing the supporters at Prenton Park. 
Found his level? Or bombed out unfairly? Who knows, but I don't think we'll see him in a Reds shirt again under the current regime. Which personally I find a shame, as I've always been one of his very few admirers, and I am of the belief that he'd offer us both competition for Kennedy, and in fact a better option there at left back. 

Appearances: 12 

Goals Scored: 1 

Assists: 0 




I was hugely impressed by Stephen Dawson in spells last season. At times he looked to be the dynamic box-to-box midfielder we'd been lacking. Tough tackling, led by example, chipped in with some decent goals, too. 
However, this season he was used on the wing early doors, and even when used centrally he's not come close to repeating last seasons performances. 
As with a few of our players, I'm now beginning to wonder whether he's simply reached a ceiling in terms of his ability to further improve. Which again - if so - would be a shame as I've always rated him, and expected him to really kick on this season, especially when made captain. 

Appearances: 9 

Goals scored: 0 

Assists: 0 





For Kelvin Etuhu, read Stephen Dawson. Another of last seasons shining lights, who for whatever reason has failed to replicate that kind of form he showed during the 'great escape'. 
However, I feel Kelvin hasn't had as many opportunities as others this term, to really form a fair opinion of where he's currently at. I do though have my own theory on why it's not quite happened for a number of our players, and I'll explain that later. 

Appearances: 16 

Goals Scored: 0 

Assists: 0 





Possibly the most consistent player to feature regularly for both Keith Hill and David Flitcroft, David Perkins' performance levels - like most - have dipped in my opinion this season. Usually singled out by opposition supporters as our 'key' player, it's been difficult to agree with that opinion for much of this campaign. He's offered very little both in terms of attacking or defending, but never fails to give 100%. As I said previously, see my theory later on as to why I think he too has been less effective this year. 
In terms of what he brings to the side - his graft, pressing the opposition, being a nuisance, and generally keeping things simple in midfield - it's very strange to see such a nailed-on starter, in that position, have no assists and no goals to his name. 

Appearances: 2 

Goals scored: 0 

Assists: 0 




After an impressive showing in pre-season, Paul Digby, fully recovered from the injuries that had wiped out the entire 2012-13 season was expected to feature quite regularly this time around, but after a start away at Blackpool, and a sub appearance in the 2-2 draw with Charlton, the England U19 cap has had to reacquaint himself with the development squad. Considering the lack of a player of his ilk in the first team, his exclusion is yet another baffling decision in my opinion. The then loaning of David Fox has only served to further baffle me, and I believe I'm not the only one with that concern. I'd much rather see us give a chance to one of our promising kids, than yet another Premier League cast-off. According to Flicker, Digby has lost his "footballing intelligence", but I happen to know a few footballers and they are as baffled at that remark as I am at the treatment of our youngsters. 

Appearances: 12 

Goals Scored: 0 

Assists: 3 




After a fantastic first full season of football (at 21 years old, which is another by-product of modern football and it's failings), this term hasn't gone as well for Jacob Mellis. More often than not, employed in central midfield by both Hill and Flitcroft last season, Jacob's impact on the game was key to most of our 'good days' at the office. Take your pick, I can't be arsed naming the myriad matches he affected positively. Great range of passing, technically sound, creates and scores goals as well as linking brilliantly with the front two. A "Premiership quality" playmaker that Flicker would "pay to watch" apparently. So, this season he plonks him on the wing, and even though I'm a massive Mellis fan, I'd agree that his impressive displays have been few and far between. But then, he isn't a winger, is he? It's like playing O'Grady left wing and expecting him to perform miracles.... oh, hang on. 
Jacob hasn't scored this season, but he still leads the way in terms of assists, and he's yet another suffering from the managers about-turn. 
Currently injured, and beginning to feel the wrath of some supporters, I think his career (certainly at Oakwell) is in jeopardy, and that's another shame because I thought we'd replaced Jacob Butterfield pretty well, which I have to say I thought would take some doing. But as ever in football, it's the 'footballers' who are often the unlucky ones, the scapegoats etc. Whilst the journeymen, the average Joe's are selected regularly and defended to the hilt despite a catalogue of evidence suggesting they're indeed, 'average journeymen'. Baffling, is football. 

Appearances: 10 

Goals Scored: 2 

Assists: 0 




Retained in the Summer, but this season is following a similar pattern for Tomasz Cywka. Used on ten occasions, but only twice from the start, he's the definitive 'impact' player in the eyes of the management, and most supporters, myself included. Ideal against tiring defences late on, but seemingly unable to influence the game from kick off. Which could be harsh of us, because those starts are so rare, how can we ever know how effective he might be after a prolonged run? 
His two goals this season were both belters. The free kick at Forest quite possibly the best I've seen from a BFC laiker. A thunderbolt of a strike. His set piece ability is far better than anything else at the club. Perhaps the Pole deserves that run of games? 

Appearances: 12 

Goals Scored: 1 

Assists: 0 




Now into his fourth season at the club, Jim O'Brien continues to be in and out of the side, unable to truly cement a regular starting position. 
Hard graft, 100% effort, a true 'team' player if ever there was one, Jim's problem is producing in an attacking sense consistently. He's occasionally outstanding, so much so that it baffles me to see him so often be merely average. There's a player in there, and he's certainly one I rate, but if we're ever going to improve our lot at this level the likes of Jim need to step up on a more consistent basis. 
His performance off the bench at Ipswich was proof of his ability, and to be fair to him, he's not been used in his preferred position very often this season. I admire his defensive qualities, but a right back he is not. 

Appearances: 5 

Goals Scored: 0 

Assists: 0 




Signed from FC Bayern in the Summer, Dale Jennings' career so far at Oakwell we can pretty much write off. Sent off (harshly, in my opinion) on debut, and decidedly average in his further showings, the former Tranmere flyer has a lot to do to convince the Tarn faithful that Flicker was right to fork out £250,000 for his services. He's got another 30 months on his contract, though, so perhaps with patience from us and a work ethic on his part, he'll come good. Let's hope so, because I seriously doubt Flicker (or the board) signed him as a 'work in progress'. I was led to believe he was signed as a - to quote Flitcroft - 'plug in and play' player. 

Appearances: 5 

Goals Scored: 0 

Assists: 0 




After performing well at the latter end of the last campaign, in an unorthodox wing back role, this season looked likely to be the 'breakthrough' year for Reuben Noble-Lazarus when Scott Golbourne left for Wolves. Talked up by Flicker as the ideal replacement, and promised "40 starts" etc, the youngster had Adam Hammill in his pocket in the Huddersfield victory, before being dropped for the next three games (all defeats) as Flitcroft ditched the 3-5-2 system after one match (and victory). He returned away at Leicester, but was subbed off after an hour and subsequently banished to room 101, possibly to keep Hassell and Steele company. 
Recently sent to League Two Scunthorpe on loan, where on debut he came off the bench and was duly named their man of the match. 
I think the lads future unfortunately lies elsewhere, certainly whilst the current management are in place. I can't think of many - if any - young lads we've sent out to the lower leagues on loan who have then come back to shine in a Tarn shirt. 
In my opinion, he's a better player than most of our attacking midfielders, a better wing/full back than Kennedy, and he's been unfairly treated by the manager. I hope he returns, and then gets the amount of game time and opportunities that are afforded to some of our less deserving players. I won't hold my breath, mind. 

Appearances: 7 

Goals Scored: 0 

Assists: 1 





Signed on loan in September from Norwich City, midfielder David Fox has started every game since. I'm yet to ascertain what he brings to the table. He's not done much wrong though, but I'm struggling to see what he's done that's made a difference. I'm of the belief that the likes of Etuhu, Dawson or even Digby could perform the same tasks, and that this is another costly loan, and another example of the short-termism that's rife throughout the club. In terms of his ability, he very much reminds me of Jon Greening from last season. Short tidy passes, and very rarely moves forward with the ball, and offers little in terms of protecting the defence. As bizarre loan signings go, this is high up the list. 

Appearances: 8 

Goals Scored: 1 

Assists: 1 





Mercurial winger Paddy McCourt signed on a free from Celtic this season, and I think in most fans eyes he's been 'the' shining light in a very dark season so far. His dazzling dribbling skills have had us all entertained, none more so than the amazing goal scored against Boro after he'd practically danced through their entire defence. He's come close on other occasions, and his ability to produce something from nothing has been a refreshing change from the mind numbing drudgery we've been served up for much of the last 12 months. 
I'm well aware of his weaknesses, and I'm not even going to mention them. I like Paddy. I like his strengths. They outweigh whatever weakness you want to mention. He makes me want to watch Tarn more than anybody since Butterfield, Davies and Vaz Te were terrorising the Championship for 8 weeks under Keith Hill. 
Hail Hail Paddy. 

Appearances: 17 

Goals Scored: 7 

Assists: 0 





After sealing a permanent move this Summer, the Wednesday hater Chris O'Grady has continued to score at a decent rate this season, almost a goal a game. The best centre forward I've seen at the club since Neil Shipperley. Leads the line superbly, links well with his teammates, and is pretty clinical in and around the box. Unfortunately, his form has deteriorated slightly in recent weeks, much because of the managers bizarre ploy of playing him as a left winger. And it must be a decision to do it. You can't tell me that Chris is choosing to do it, and ignoring instructions. The fact we're stationing our main goal threat out there is enough reason alone to doubt the managers thinking, nevermind the other reasons of which there are many. 
Get O'Grady back up front and central, and we'll get another ten goals out of him. Keep playing him next to the dugout, and he'll do well to reach double figures. 

Appearances: 9 

Goals Scored: 2 

Assists: 1 





I'm not a fan of loan signings, especially when it's unlikely to ever turn into a permanent signing, but Marcus Pedersen has impressed me a lot in his short time at the club. He looks to have the work rate and attitude of Chris Dagnall, but looks technically brilliant with an eye for goal. He may only have two goals to his name so far, but I'm convinced that if paired up front in a two with O'Grady, he'll reach double figures this season. 

Appearances: 14 

Goals Scored: 2 

Assists: 0 




Despite 14 appearances, 11 of them have been as a late sub. When he's started, he's looked a threat, and he has two goals to his name. I'm not going to criticise Flicker for using Jason Scotland as he has done, because the two strikers ahead of him are there on merit. I suppose he's a decent option to have, and to be honest, our strikers are the last department I'm worried about. 

Appearances: 9 

Goals Scored: 1 

Assists: 0 





Despite leading the goalscoring charts for us last season, Chris Dagnall has been overlooked this term in favour of Pedersen and Scotland, and not many Reds fans will moan about that. Nobody could ever fault the lads workrate and the qualities he brought to the team, but his goal record was hard to defend and he's slipped out of the first team picture altogether. I can't even recall him being on the bench for much of the last two months. A loan move has been mentioned but nothing has materialised as of yet. 

WHITEY'S FINAL THOUGHTS 

As I mentioned earlier, I've my own theory on why certain players aren't performing at the levels they set last season under Flicker. And it's something obvious. It's the system. He's reverted back to 4-4-2, the very first thing he changed when taking over from Keith. And I'm afraid it's as plain as the nose on Jimmy McNulty's face that we don't have the personnel to play that system successfully. 

Some people are taking Flicker's stance, and suggesting that in fact it's 3-5-2 that we don't have the players to fit into. And I can see their point, slightly. But we had young Reuben here until last week, and in the two occasions he was last asked to play at LWB, he excelled, as did the team in beating both Hull City and Huddersfield Town. It's also the system that gets the best out of Wisey in an attacking sense, and the best shape in which to utilize the abilities of Mellis. In fact, I think Paddy would be even more effective in that central role, floating. And as I outlined earlier, the likes of Etuhu, Dawson and Perkins were at their best in a five man midfield. Perkins in particular is a much more effective proposition in that type of midfield, where he has an enforcer behind him and a 'baller' ahead of him. He flourished in the five man midfield we had during Keith's vintage of late 2011, and did so last season in Flicker's version. 

I don't believe we have the right central midfielders to perform as a two. At present, we've been using Perkins and Fox. Neither of them create much - if anything - and neither score goals. They don't even threaten to. Which is putting the responsibility squarely onto the strikers. And if our wingers aren't performing, those strikers are getting no service whatsoever, no support whatsoever from our entire midfield. And that's what leads to us continuing this bizarre strategy of Kennedy constantly trying to feed O'Grady. It's the most overused tactic in football, and along with shutting down Paddy, the only things the opposition scouts need note on their bits of paper. 

We have personnel more suited to 3-5-2 than we do 4-4-2. 

I hear people - in their defence of Flicker - telling me we've failed using 3-5-2 this season, yet I'm struggling to recall us playing it that often. Just as I'm struggling to see this 'unbeaten' run as the evidence that things are beginning to click, whilst others are suggesting exactly that. I'm not for one minute saying they're wrong and I'm right, but I think the best evidence is served up in the statistics in this article, both the team stats, and players. And they point to a side who have changed a winning formula, and are now conceding two goals per game, scoring just one, and are looking nothing like the side that fought so heroically to maintain this proud little clubs status as second tier stalwarts. 

So why not go back to something that worked? Because even the staunchest supporter of the current manager can't surely see us staying up by playing this current brand of football..? God only knows how bad a watch it would be if Paddy was injured/sold. 

We're playing a lot of hoofball from what I've seen. I wasn't at the Doncaster game, but I'm told it was much of the same. That's not the type of football I want to spend an afternoon watching. Although, were it getting the required results - ala Wimbledon in the 80's/90's and Stoke more recently - I'd be able to stomach it. 

And so it all comes down to the manager. Only he can change it. But if this is how he wants his side to play, and he believes that we indeed are improving, and that using so many loan players in favour of our young lads is the right 'plan', then all power to him. It's his job to lose I suppose, and so it's only right that he makes the decisions. But I can't help but recall his interviews last season where he'd often state how he 'knew' what we the fanbase wanted, and last season he and the players gave us just that. Well, this season is so far removed from that, and it would be gutting if we had to replace yet another manager who went from fearless to shit scared within months of the job. And we can't blame the board this time. This was meant to be a new era, Flicker signed up for it all, and he's been seemingly backed to the hilt. 

I can't believe we're not even in December, and yet again we are already hoping for bare survival, yet again. And going into another few games where if things go badly for us, the manager could be sacked, yet again. 

Spectemur Agendo? More like Déja Vu. 

A big thank you to anyone who purchased a copy of West Stand Bogs, issue two, and thus donated to charity in the process. I know the lads at the heart of the fanzine are grateful, and if we're honest, it's possibly the best thing - other than Paddy - to come out of this season so far. 

Up The Tarn! 

Oh, and the club revealed the four 'options' for the new club crest/badge, to be used from next season. 'Be Proud, Be Barnsley' they said (only without the comma..) as they unveiled the 'options' designed by a LEEDS based company. Fantastic, eh? 

And yes, they're all very similar. All very shit. But you can vote to keep the current badge/crest and so if you're not happy with this attempted 'brand refresh' then I suggest that option is your best bet.