FC HALIFAX TOWN 2 - 0 BARNSLEY

The last time I saw my beloved Barnsley play football was the day we were relegated in Middlesbrough some ten weeks ago. I felt as low as ever that afternoon, you end up questioning what the point of it all is. I actually felt glad that it was over, that I could perhaps enjoy my weekends for a few months without the inevitable misery that is watching the reds. The appalling display from England at the World Cup only added to my gloomy outlook regards football. 

Yet here I am, compiling a report on the reds first friendly of pre season. Why do I do it? I have no idea. However, being a resident of Bradford made this trip away a short one for me and after finishing my shift at work I was at The Shay an hour later, in the pleasant sunshine, ready to be reinvigorated by Danny Wilson's exciting, young squad. What could be better? What could go wrong? 

The East Stand of The Shay Stadium

The first thing I couldn't help but notice was just how many reds supporters had turned out. A remarkable following everything considered. And in buoyant mood throughout the first half, rattling out the full repertoire of BFC songs and anthems, as well as the old classic 'Pineapple' ditty once reserved for Nottingham Forest's former striker and Fantasy Football favourite, Jason Lee but now aimed at our own Tom Kennedy, sporting his new 'ponytail in a bunch' hairdo. It was to prove the one and only thing that 'TK' pulled off on the day.. 

The reds lined up in what appeared at first glance to be a conventional 4-4-2 shape, but after a while it seemed clear that we had no real left winger as such. We had Luke Steele in goal, a back four (R to L) of Darren McKnight, Martin Cranie, Jack Cowgill and Kennedy, a midfield of Reuben Noble-Lazarus (right wing), Paul Digby, Brad Abbott and Conor Hourihane (all pretty much central), and Danny Rose partnering trialist Will Hoskins up front (who did offer some width on the left). 

This isn't a proper match report. I'm sure there'll be some of those knocking about online somewhere. This is me giving you my two penneth on events from a Tarn perspective, so if it doesn't read well, like a proper match report it's because it isn't one. 

BFC Flags

We looked quite relaxed initially. There were neat passages of play and save for the odd direct foray forward from the hosts it was a standard pre season game between sides of differing quality/levels of ability. New signing Hourihane looked neat and composed on the ball, Noble-Lazarus was dangerous coming inside and Rose was a constant menace in between the Town defence. There were clever touches here and there from Hoskins too and young Cowgill at centre half (a real unit he is) was dominant in the air. Pleasant, relaxed and a matter of time until we opened the scoring. I was enjoying it. It had been a while.. 


The first chance I can recall came from Noble-Lazarus as he ghosted in at the near post and his well hit volley with his weaker foot was well saved by home keeper Glennon. Soon after, Rose did everything right as he latched onto Hourihane's ball through, rounded the keeper with good footwork but his finish lacked purpose and was cleared off the line. He was to be denied again just moments later when Hoskins' shot/cross fell kindly for him at the far post but he couldn't make a decent connection and it went wide. 

Pre match handshakes

The home side forced Steele into a fine save with a rasping drive from Pearson, tipped over for the corner. Halifax offered a threat in a direct manner. No nonsense, got within range and let fly on numerous occasions. 
They took the lead though in bizarre fashion. Both Cowgill and Abbott seemed to think the other would deal with a loose ball in the box, Pearson nipped between them, and his clever touch and then poked finish was too good for Steele in goal. Great goal for them. Comical from us. All too familiar. But these things happen. 

It was about five minutes later that I left Shane, the pal I was with and disappeared off for a toilet break and to see if I could get a pint. Unfortunately, they told us they weren't selling any at half time. Not sure if they'd sold out. I doubt they were expecting such a big turnout to be honest. So that disappointed me, just as the news of a second Halifax goal did upon my return to my seat.. 

I'm told by Shane that it was a simple route one goal, where the keeper's goal kick reached Scott Boden who outmuscled McKnight before firing past Steele to double the hosts lead. Half time. 

The sizeable BFC contingent

The second half saw seven changes immediately, as Adam Davies, Jean-Yvés M'Voto, Lewin Nyatanga, James Bree, George Smith, Dale Jennings and Chris O'Grady came on. The players departing being Steele, Kennedy, McKnight, Cowgill, Digby, Rose and Noble-Lazarus. 

The system employed changed, too. We went to a 3-5-2 shape with Bree and Smith as wing backs, Jennings in the free role behind Hoskins and O'Grady. From our perspective, there was little in the way of chances created, especially early on. In fact, it was Halifax who looked most likely to further affect the scoreline. 

Our best chance came from a poor Jennings corner which somehow fell kindly for Bree whose reactionary effort from just yards out was clawed away by Glennon only to fall for others in red inside the six yard box but after a scramble or two the Town keeper grasped onto the ball. 

We had other 'opportunities'. There was one instance where O'Grady was practically one on one with a defender, got into the box and looked to go down easily in an attempt to get a penalty. Nowt doing. 
There were glimpses of the undoubted skills possessed by Jennings, but both his and O'Grady's speculative efforts were always poor and never threatening. 

TK and the 'pineapple'

There were three further subs made, as McKnight reappeared to take up a position in midfield replacing Hourihane, Nana replaced Hoskins and Dominic McHale came on in place of Cranie. The reds then reverted back to a 4-4-2, with Nana now O'Grady's partner up top. He and McHale would go on to show up well in their 20 minutes game time, both looking to go forward whenever possible, retaining possession and offering a threat as the game fizzled out. 



But the last real chance was to be Halifax's, as they twice looked certain to score but a blocked shot and a save at the death from Davies kept the result from matching last years trip to the same ground. It ended 2-0, and many of the supporters had already left by now having seen little in the way of excitement. 

Full time debriefing

So what did I make of it then? Well, before that, just another mention for the terrific backing given by the supporters who made the journey over today. There were no boos, no abuse of players, just good, solid support for the lads although it did somewhat die out in terms of singing in the second half. 

Such were the numbers that turned out, the stewards had to open a gate in the first half to allow a hundred or so reds into the terraced stand behind Steele's goal. However, in doing so this encouraged another hundred or so fans to leave their seats and join the others. There wasn't any aggro. They took up their positions by the marvellous BFC flags and immediately began to sing from the rafters about their beloved Barnsley.. 

BFC fans moving behind the goals

Singing loud and proud

As for the reds players, it's difficult to find many positives. I'm 32 (next month) and not daft. I know that these 'games' aren't anything more than glorified training sessions. They're meant to help with fitness, to build up understanding etc. The result is rather meaningless when all's said and done. 
But you do look for something as a supporter. Something to give you hope for the season ahead. Especially after the season we've just suffered.. 


But the bright and positive signs were few and far between. The negatives much more prominent. So forgive me if what I'm about to say is deemed unnecessary at this point. But I'm only saying it as I saw it. 

The performance of Kennedy at left back was frankly embarrassing. In a team full of kids, you expect the older heads to offer something in the way of experience and bravery, a guiding hand so to speak. To take some responsibility. None of that was forthcoming from TK. I think Shane summed it up best when saying his first thought always seems to be 'go backwards'. It's always negative. He can't lack confidence. I've heard him speak, I've seen the tattoos, the hairstyle. So why is he so damned negative? There's very few things I'd like more than to see Kennedy prove me and a lot more of us wrong. But if today was owt to go on, expect another year of disappointment.

To balance that up, I thought George Smith did well once replacing Kennedy. The fact he's not Tom Kennedy helps, but at last we had a left back who won headers, had some pace and ability to try and beat a man, and a lad who played like he cared. He'd be first choice for me if those two are our options in that position. 


I don't think Cranie was up to much either. I'd say both Nyatanga second half and Cowgill first half were better in that position. Big Jean made simple passes look impossible, often finding the stands rather than a teammate. It was the M'Voto we feared under Flitcroft, not the M'Voto we grew to appreciate under Danny. 

Three of the kids were quite poor for me this afternoon. I will qualify that by saying that yes it's just one, meaningless game. I'll say that for every player who appeared. But that's not stopping me giving an opinion on their efforts today. 
I think Digby, Abbott and McKnight need to improve. The latter looked okay initially at full back, but got lost in no mans land once or twice. They are three central midfielders though by trade, and on this showing, had little in their lockers barring an ability to sit in the centre of the park and play simple balls. All were too easily dispossessed. All offered nothing of note in either an offensive or defensive setting. Credit however to Abbott who was the only player to complete 90 minutes and never gave in despite having little joy all afternoon. He was no worse than the likes of Dawson, Perkins et al. Just a thought there for the doom mongers. 

Halifax strike

As I say, there were decent cameos from both McHale and Nana. The latter came in for some rough treatment from Town number six Ainge who was eventually booked. But the lad stood up well for himself, looked strong but quick and was probably the highlight in terms of individual displays for me. 

I thought Noble-Lazarus did ok first half without being too impressive. I still wish we'd play him through the middle but yes, he was our main threat aside from Rose. On Danny, I prefer to commend him for his work rate and getting into positions from which to miss chances than actually slate him for those misses. He'll do us proud when called upon. I thought he was decent today. 

I'm hoping that if we do have to sell O'Grady he plays for his new club as he did when coming on for us today. Shadow of the colossal figure of last season. Again, it's just one game and I've seen Chris have more good days than bad. Can't say that about many others at the club, so I'm not going to hammer him for being terrible in a friendly for 45 minutes.. 

Young James Bree was like a fish out of water on occasion, muscled off the ball here and there and looks every bit the kid that he is. None of that surprised me. It's a steep learning curve for him and the other kids. But he's got talent, and these sort of games will do him (and the others) the world of good. He made one terrific raid forward from right back but was eventually schooled by his opponent who saw him off and the ball out of play for a goal kick. 

I wasn't really impressed with Hoskins. He tried, and does have good technical ability and attempted some clever runs but he obviously lacks any kind of sharpness and looked slower than I remember him. Maybe that'll come, in time? But I think he's a gamble that I'd not bother taking if I was basing it on that one game. All of Nana, Noble-Lazarus, McHale and Rose looked more promising in terms of forwards. But, I repeat, it was just one game and that is all I've reported on. A meaningless, boring friendly. That we lost. The only way is up, right?



It was pretty awful to watch on the whole, I can't pretend it didn't disappoint me and I admit that the lack of recruitment is now a worry for me. More so in the knowledge that they're off to Italy this week so any further strengthening of the squad will surely be put on hold until they return? 

But we all knew it was going to be difficult didn't we? I know that more than I did before 3pm today... 



Quick comment on the kit - I actually don't mind it now I've seen it in 'action'. It's growing on me. And in terms of squad numbers, here are the ones I can remember: 



Smith 20 
O'Grady 9 
Hemmings 10 (was on the bench but not as a sub.. injured I believe) 
McHale 22 
Noble-Lazarus 19 
Jennings 11 
Hourihane 8 
Digby 14 
Abbott 17 
Kennedy 4 
Cranie 6 
Nyatanga 5 
M'Voto 15 
McKnight 21 
Rose 16 
Nana 23 (I think) 




And that's about all for this update. Big thanks to Spencer Davies for providing most of the photographs in this post. Much appreciated. My phone's useless.

Thanks for reading. Feel free to comment below. 


Whitey

ONE MONTH TO GO

Welcome to the blog. The new look blog, that looks familiar, with a new name, that looks familiar. I thought it was time for a change of scenery, what with the change of scenery that is the third tier of English football. Not for us all of course. There'll be many of us who remember only too well the four years we spent down here in the noughties. But for a good portion of our younger supporters, this is new territory. I hope that's cause for excitement for them, rather than misery which transmits to them not bothering with the cause anymore.

Lots to get through in this update, but before we do that, why the new name, and what does it mean? Well, after a season of apathetic struggle where we as a club once more played by the financial rules set out by the Football League whilst others did anything but, I couldn't help but wonder just what was the point in it all? The relegation we've seemingly been aiming towards for the last three years didn't help, like. But football in general has really started to turn me off. I actually hate so many facets of it now.
I sat through a playoff final in which over £100m was allegedly at stake. A buffoon by the name of Greg Dyke then unveiled his marvellous ideas to improve the national game which included the superb plan to create Premier League 'B' teams who would be allowed to compete in League One and Two. Our club announced the earliest of 'early bird' schemes for season ticket holders, then had the cheek to describe sales as 'record breaking' for the month of April. Yep, the first time we've ever sold season tickets in April. We had our director, Barry Taylor suggesting that were the club to be renamed 'Barnsley Tykes' in return for millions of pounds, that the fanbase wouldn't complain. And in between England's heroes being embarrassingly eliminated from the World Cup finals in record time without winning a match, I saw a succession of God awful footballers leave my proud club. Off to find the next mugs no doubt. So aye, I think it's fair to say my love for Barnsley FC is pretty much the only thing keeping me involved with the beautiful game. 

It was on the BBS forum where I first saw it said. 'Love Barnsley, Hate Football.' It's since become the most used strapline among many likeminded BFC supporters. But nobody's claimed it as theirs, nor has it been trademarked or owt, so I've made it mine. For the blog. Sue me. 

As said, we waved (with our fists in most cases) goodbye to so many players this summer. Other than Bobby Hassell who I've discussed already in my previous article, the only one I was disappointed to see depart was Jim O'Brien. The energetic and hard working winger turned down the offer of a new and reduced deal here to sign for divisional rivals and club without a home, Coventry City. I have to say I was pretty surprised at his choice of destination, but unlike every one of the other misfits shown the door, I wish Jim all the best down there and I look forward to welcoming him 'home' later this season when he returns with the Sky Blues. He wasn't the best player I've seen, far from it. I haven't made a video of his best bits have I? But he was a top lad away from the club and a wholehearted, team player at the club, who for my money gave his all for BFC throughout his four year stay. Good luck to him. 



So we've seen a massive clear out. It's what most of us wanted. And it looks very much likely that we're going to have a raft of young academy lads in the first team. Again, what most of us wanted. However, it's become apparent when reading through social media and both the BBS and TykesMad forums that perhaps folk have now changed their tunes. I suppose it's easy to suggest that "arr, get kids chucked in" after witnessing the likes of Stephen Dawson and Tom Kennedy attempt to play football for two years. But now that reality has arrived, a wafer thin squad (no Mido) full of youngsters, the same folk seem to be yearning for another group of plodding, toilers. Each to their own. 

Me, I'm quite happy with our business up to this point. Don't get me wrong I'd have liked another couple of faces in by now, ideally, but we don't live in an ideal world and it's pretty obvious to me that the failure to get Chris O'Grady and others out of the door has hindered Danny Wilson and the club in terms of our own recruitment. The start of this week saw a tweet from a Radio Sheffield reporter suggesting that O'Grady, Kennedy and Martin Cranie were three players the club were now willing to listen to offers for. Thus followed a shitstorm on twitter especially, and less so on the forums, where 'Mansford/Cryne Out' was a popular cry as our supporters failed to see the wood for the trees. Again. 

It was old news, in my opinion. We've been relegated, we're going to lose a lot of money this year because of that. The three players in question are undoubtedly three of our top earners. Two of them may well have potential suitors as they've performed decently in the past in the division we've just left. In League One, we've got to adhere to SCMP. Simply put, we're only allowed to spend 60% of our turnover on player salaries. 
So why were folk so shocked, so disgusted upon hearing what was pretty obvious news this week? Furthermore, why are they bothered about losing three players who I'd wager would rather not be here? Two of whom who just aren't that good. Not when you're paying them big Championship wages. They're Tom Kennedy and Martin Cranie, not Darren Barnard and Arjan De Zeeuw. Have some faith in this manager replacing them with better players for less money. I mean, he did sign Barnard and De Zeeuw after all.. 




It's a bit different with O'Grady. I think he's a very talented footballer, better than some would give him credit for. He averages close to a goal every other game for us, and that's whilst playing in a team that's never been higher than 21st in the second tier. In a team with very few creative players and where decent crosses are more likely to be found in Dracula's lair. It's not just his goals we'll lose. He's made plenty as well. He's the focal point of the team. Our 'talisman'. But it's not just here where he's underrated. I would have thought there'd have been more Championship clubs in for him. As someone who's seen a fair bit of Middlesbrough I can't believe the amount of clubs circling around their wantaway striker, Lukas Jutkiewicz. He's no better than O'Grady. Or maybe there are interested clubs, more than we're aware of, but they know our financial plight and are merely waiting until the last minute before getting him on the cheap when we're at our weakest? It wouldn't be the first (or hundredth) time we've had our pants pulled down in a transfer window. 


The frustrated voices among us I do have sympathy for with regards to all this nonsense over Chris. It's dragging on almost as long as the saga we went through to get him here in the first place. And it does us no favours. The fact that it seems the only interested club at this point are our local and divisional rivals, Sheffield United, well, that serves only to stick in the throat doesn't it? I've grown dog tired of reading the never ending opinions of Sheffield journalist and tweeter extraordinaire, Alan Biggs on this O'Grady subject. But, I actually think he made a quite pertinent point recently when he suggested that were Chris not interested in a move to the Blunts, this story would have died some time ago. The willingness of a player to join you is THE first thing you determine in a transfer such as this. So aye, it stands to reason that this is a move that O'Grady wants. And that is reason enough for all Tarn supporters to let this go. Let him go. He can join the long list of BFC heroes who pitch up in S2 and do the grand total of jack for them. 


I reserve the right to banish some of the above words into the ether should Chris not join that horrid, immoral, joke of a club. 

Despite the doom and gloom, we have made three signings so far this summer. Former Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper, Adam Davies has arrived as backup for Luke Steele. He's highly rated by current reds keeper coach, Mark Crossley who worked with him at Hillsborough. We've brought in Cowdenbeath striker and Scottish Championship player of the year, Kane Hemmings. His goalscoring record is impressive, although this is no doubt another step up for him. And our only deal to involve money at this point was the capture of Plymouth Argyle captain and driving midfield force, Conor Hourihane, for a fee thought to be close to £200,000. 
I'm looking forward to seeing all three of them this season, in fact I'm aiming to be at The Shay this weekend as we kick off our pre season friendlies against FC Halifax Town. If I do manage to get along to the game then I'll try and upload a match report on here and maybe a few photos. It's work dependant though, and they've a tendency to be a pain in my backside. 






After a long old wait, we finally got to see what the new home kit looked like last week. Our deal with Nike has come to an end and this year we're running out in Avec merchandise. Who, I hear you ask. Avec. They're an affiliate of Nike I'm led to believe. And what they've given us is in my opinion an abomination. I don't buy shirts anyway, but I was going to change that this year and get one. Safe to say, there's more chance of me buying a Sheffield Wednesday shirt. Well, there int, but tha gets my point. It's foul. 

It's more annoying to me in that were there symmetrical white armbands, and no rectangular block under the collar, I'd have snapped one up. But it seems the manufacturer forgot to add the right armband and had some kind of brain fart with that 'thing' under the collar. Although, even with that 'thing' there, were there two armbands it'd be an improvement. As it is, it looks like a rushed job and proves that if you've a bespoke kit being made (this one is) you're better served by first doing a bit of research, asking those likely to be interested in purchasing one what they'd like to see on the shirt. But it would appear that logical thinking at BFC and seemingly Avec too is missing, badly. Like the right armband. 


Maybe the away kit will make up for it? We'll find out in a fortnights time. 






Matchday ticket prices were revealed yesterday. There's slight increases in half of the stadium. Yep, we've dropped a level and they've seen fit to charge a fair portion of Oakwell's supporters more for the privilege. If it wasn't so embarrassing I'd laugh. Not only that, it means that two thirds of the reds fans inside the stadium will be paying more than their away counterparts. Motormouth Mansford can sure as hell trot out a cliché and make a novel out of a short story but in terms of his remit as CEO he's (as far as I can see) improved very little in his 12 months at the helm. Ordinarily I'd suggest that's not enough time to form a judgement, but the fact we increased spending last summer and then suffered relegation with all the above thrown in for good measure, well I'm not reight keen. Summat about him doesn't sit well with me. However, if he reads this, there are so many ways in which you can get in touch with me, Ben. I'd be more than happy to have my opinion altered with hard facts. Because, I'm merely a supporter and we know very little in real terms. But we do pay our money.. 

As most will be aware, I've contributed to the BFC fanzine and soon to be registered charity (fingers crossed, eh?), West Stand Bogs and will continue to do so with an enormous sense of pride. It was practically the only good thing to come out of last season. The way that something from nothing has developed into something of real substance in such a short time, and raised over £4,000 for local causes in the process is nothing short of fantastic. But it's through the hard work of local lads, their creativity, and a 'can do' attitude. I've merely typed out a few words as I'm doing now. So I take my hats off to Liam and Rob in particular, and to the many individuals involved in putting it together and of course big credit to the supporters who've bought it in their droves, selling out each issue. 

Issue 5 will be released on the opening day prior to Crawley Town's first ever visit to Oakwell. I don't believe the price has increased though. I'm hoping to interview Barnsley legend Bobby Hassell over the next week or so and that will hopefully be included in the mag. Depending on how the interview goes and the amount of material, it may be a scaled down version that appears in WSB and so if that's the case I'll upload it in full on the blog. 

Well, that's your lot for now. Thanks to those who've visited this little blog of mine over the last two years. I hope to be posting in a more enthusiastic and happy manner over the coming season, and then by May of 2015 we can celebrate both the clubs promotion back to the second tier and Bobby's testimonial on the 4th of that month. Fingers crossed. 


Whitey