IT'S BEEN EMOTIONAL

After what seemed a decade of wondering and waiting, yesterday, Barnsley supporters finally had their opportunity to say thank you and farewell to a club legend who gave unstinting service to BFC and the town he made his home over a decade where he played a big part in some of our finer hours in recent history. Oh, Bobby Hassell... 


This wasn't ever going to be the ideal testimonial but I've no time for pointing the finger of blame at anyone for how the event was organised. The man himself seemed happy enough with it in recent interviews so if it satisfied him then that'd do for me. But aye, ideally this would have been a testimonial in its truest form. Unfortunately, it seemingly had to go hand in hand with a BFC pre season fixture so we had the bizarre spectacle of seeing Bobby playing alongside current reds, and Lewin Nyatanga apart, lads he'd never played with before. Thankfully though, some late allowances were made and for the last twenty minutes Bobby was to be joined on the field by ten of his former teammates including eight of the 2005-2006 promotion squad. 

For a while, sat stationary on a train somewhere between Leeds and Normanton, twenty odd minutes without any movement or update from Northern Rail as to what the chuff was going on, I feared I'd not even make it to Oakwell to say my goodbyes to Bobby and the others. But the choo choo did eventually crawl its way to Barnsley, on one engine apparently, just the thirty minutes late and I made my way into town to wait for Roy. Had a swift jar in Chennels. They've refurbished the gents since I last went in there ten weeks back. Not yet cured the sticky floor issue though that's plagued those bogs since I began drinking back in the mid 1990's. Bit of filler there, you know how much I like to pad out these blog posts. 


I soon met up with Roy and we had a quick pint and a catch-up in Bramah's, discussing each others holidays and how things were at work etc. As you do. It was nice to see a few Mansfield fans in there too, the weather was decent enough if a bit on the blowy side for my liking. Kept making a mess of my hair.
What? 


We arrived at Oakwell at about 1.45pm, bought a souvenir programme each and headed into Redfearn's. For once, June was pleasant and didn't try to stop us getting in. Perhaps she's had customer service training over the summer? Once inside it was obvious that this match hadn't enticed as many folk down as I'd have liked. There were more Mansfield fans in there then reds at one point. We met up with Darryl, one of the lads who did the Bradford charity walk with us, who looked at least a stone heavier than he did the last time I saw him. Obviously enjoyed a few barbies last month. I remain ten stone wet through no matter how much I devour, which if I was a woman would be a good thing probably, but I'm all man and yet look like a boy. Was asked for ID yesterday when buying fags. I'm 33 next month. 

Roy, Darryl, Moi

Three drinks later and after having a chat with Dodworth's answer to Indiana Jones we made our way to the East Stand. Our last time in that stand was the opening day of last season when we were embarrassed by Crawley Town. I don't like it in there much, the view's too good which gives you the impression you're Jose Mourinho and know how to fix the myriad problems the manager can't see. Although you do get to appreciate the splendour of the West Stand, including the jazzed up dugouts. Nice to see they've done a bit of work on them for once rather than just chucking out the occupant. 


As usual, I forgot to take photos until the end of the game, or film stuff, so I've no record of what was a bloódy emotional moment as Bobby led out a Barnsley side for the final time. Because my partner happens to be friends with Bobby's partner, I've had the pleasure of her company, and that of her kids who are all a great credit to both Sarah and Bob. So I felt a little teary I have to admit when I saw him walking out with them, little Micah on his shoulders. 
There was a few presentations and photos taken at that point, it was good to see Mr Cryne there in particular and also another lad I call a friend in Matthew Murray who was on PA duty and did a fine job of it I reckon, not even a trace of that American accent he's picked up. Speaking of Matt, I'm going to share his tribute for the programme he did on here at the end, I think it warrants a greater audience. I'd also like to say well done to Matty Goodwin who did a terrific job (along with Sarah) in making that programme a specially good read and fitting souvenir for reds fans.

The game itself bored me to tears. Friendlies usually do in fairness. I felt Bobby was our best player in the time he was on the pitch, but then I would do. He scored the penalty earned by Scowen who continues to win decisions from referees in a very dubious fashion. It's not very Barnsley, Josh. But it was nice to see Bobby plant it beyond the keeper. Does that count as his 10th goal for us? 

I'll pass quick comments on regards our current laikers now. 


Davies had nowt to do really. Bree and Smith were more like wingers than full backs, with Mawson and Nyatanga in turn then looking more like wide centre halves as a result. Which left huge gaps when we gave up possession, which was often. Extra marks to Bree for one bucaneering run forward, and extra marks also to Smithy for not going with that despicable top-knot again. If footballers spent more time honing their skills and less time trying to look like bellends I'd appreciate that. It's not a fashion show. You play for Barnsley in the third division, pal. 

The new lad Mawson looks a unit. I probably wouldn't call him a bellend if he had a top-knot. He's ginger too, extra marks. I thought Scowen was busy but ineffective for once, but then, he's not a winger so I can't say I'm looking forward to seeing him forced out of position again to accommodate central midfielders who run about a bit but can't pass beyond ten yards and rarely do so in a positive manner. The returning Ben Pearson is a good addition, we saw that in his first month here last term. Unfortunately, in much of his 20 or so appearances he offered little other than sideways or backwards passing and the ability to run about a bit. He's only young though. Hopefully he'll improve and Man Utd can then flog him to another club and we'll start again, again. 

His Old Trafford teammate made his debut, Joe Rothwell, and other than a clever roulette trick (I play FIFA on the Playstation) and that lovely finish for the goal I didn't notice him. Sign of a good laiker? 
The lad who didn't want to be here but then did want to be here with the bad attitude and the good attitude started up front, and Conor Wilkinson didn't impress me at all. That long distance strike was tidy though, but other than that he reminded me of Rory Fallon. And the lad alongside him with no name was for me the pick of the bunch albeit after a slow start. I didn't see his goal as I'd left for the toilet but even without seeing that I saw enough to suggest he'd be worth another look, but if we sign David Ball then I reckon a cheeky bid for Rochdale's Andy Cannon wouldn't go amiss.. 

Went for a beer at half time, £3.70 for a warm bottle of Carling. Which will be the last beer I buy this season from inside the ground. Bumped into a few familiar faces, Gaz of West Stand Bogs fame - gave him a kiss after I'd first not noticed him at the side of big Juddy G. Had a good catch-up with club SLO and all round good egg, Carlo whilst having a smoke. And a chat with Dave who doesn't post on the BBS forum because it's full of bellends, like me. When taking up our seats for the second half I spotted Steve, another good lad who'd told me he wasn't going to the match. It's the hope that gets you, pal. And the best photographer called Ian in Barnsley also said heyup to me, but I never heard him or saw him. Looking forward to him uploading his latest BFC themed imagery at some point today. 


I won't say much else on the game except to mention Matty Templeton who offered something unique once on - he ran with the ball. It was weird. Like proper football and that, I'm not used to seeing it. But then at long last, the moment we'd all been waiting for, the current reds team were all replaced by a host of former reds in their thirties. Again, weird. We're not used to seeing lads with no resale value. 

I appreciate it was only 20 minutes. I accept it was a friendly. But I saw football played in that period that I've not seen in years. Players making runs into space, forward passes (honest), two wingers and a lovely team move capped off by a trademark Nardiello goal. It was a joy to watch, and it should have been the full game. He might have put a few pounds on, but Brian Howard still has 'it'. We saw Antony Kay spreading play from deep; Chris Shuker - I model my forehead on his - still the annoying little shít for the opposition; full backs in Austin and Hecky who can pick out runners in the channel; Foz and Reidy making up for having no mobility by showing that grit that epitomised their time here as captains, and DISCO, Martin Devaney rolling back the years and showing in just 20 minutes what the current BFC squad lacks - width, wingers, skill. 

As I say, joy to behold. And let's not forget that save from big Preecey. I adored that bloke when he was here, I still do now that he isn't. You can have all the hungry youths that you want in a squad, but there's nothing like experience and it's paramount to have leaders and characters. That final 20 minutes we had a side full. And it really hammered it home just how good those lads were for us, the promotion heroes especially, because I think time has been unfair on them if I'm honest, folk tend to think we were lucky that season to go up. Nonsense. We had a fortunate spell in extra time against Swansea City, but there was nothing lucky about that promotion and that squad is still a terrific blueprint for success in my opinion. A squad brimming with young, homegrown talent, sprinkled with characters, leaders and experience. 
Could you imagine that set of lads not talking to each other during a match? Not spending free time with each other, instead going home to play computer games, get a new tattoo, a new silly haircut or updating their instagram? I miss the days where you'd hear about our lads being seen shítfaced in town. It's the modern game though, Andy, they tell me. Aye, and the modern game is pants. 




Here's a few photos..... 

Stephen Foster

Howard and Devaney

Neil Austin

Foz, saying goodbye...

David Preece

Antony Kay

Paul Reid

DISCO

Nards

Brian Howard

It was an absolute privilege to be able to see some of my favourite ever tarn laikers one more time, to say goodbye to them too, although I do hope we see them again in some capacity, I always enjoy these sort of occasions and I'm led to believe that West Stand Bogs are looking at staging an anniversary dinner with the promotion heroes of 2006 so I'm up for that if it comes off. And who knows, perhaps we'll be celebrating another third tier promotion next May too? Looking at the team/club right now I can't see it happening, not unless we recruit players capable of exciting the supporters and hurting the opposition. It's only pre season, I'm mindful of that but I saw very little from our current players yesterday to suggest we'll do owt special this coming season. 
But I'll be there whenever possible, as ever, cheering them on. It's what I do. It's what I'll always do. As well as being honest whenever I discuss this little club of ours.. 

I'll next be at Oakwell on August 1st for another pre season friendly which means a lot to me personally (for those folk who know). That will be a stern test for our lads just a week before the real football begins in earnest at Chesterfield. And on the Monday after that I will be one of the guests on the first show of the season for the Radio Barnsley 'Football Report'. As of today, confirmed guests are CEO Ben Mansford and Tommy Wright in the studio from 7pm to 8pm, with Martin Devaney and Bobby Hassell in the studio for the second hour, 8pm to 9pm, with a phone call guest in Sam Winnall. Not a clue how they're going to fit all that in, especially the way Ben takes ten minutes to answer a question. No idea how we're all going to fit in the studio either, I might have to sit on someones knee. Looking forward to it though. It's a fantastic voluntary service offered up for us reds supporters and if anybody out there wants to guest appear on the show, I suggest you get in touch with the team on twitter via @RBFootball_. 

As promised, here's Matthew Murray's tribute to Sir Bobby Hassell that featured in the souvenir programme yesterday....... 





Let's rewind to August 2011. My wife Becky and I were trying to launch our own charity and had a dream to build an orphanage in Kenya and help save the lives of children who were in extreme poverty and sometimes went days without food. Some were HIV positive and others had suffered horrific physical and sexual abuse. They were in desperate need of hope. 

The plan was there - but the money wasn't. We needed over £100,000 to build the children's home which was broken down into several stages. One of the first costs was a £600 fee to pay for legal formation of the charity. Even that seemed a lot of money. 

But then came a minor miracle - Keith Hill's Barnsley beat Reading away from home after Bobby Hassell had been recalled to the squad. A few hours after the game, my phone rang: "Matt, it's Bobby, how you doing, pal? I get an appearance fee and a win bonus totalling £600 for today, and I'd like to give it all towards your work in Africa." 

I was blown away. Bobby had no idea of our financial needs but was clearly moved with compassion and decided to give his entire bonus towards helping these needy children. 

He duly popped round the next day and handed the cash to my wife. Fast forward to July 2015 and that orphanage is flourishing. The building is paid off and we have more than 100 children in our care, all of whom are housed, clothed, fed and educated to a high standard. 

Bobby has been a supporter of our work ever since. He and his wife Sarah sponsor the ongoing living costs of several children in our orphanage each month, he's organised bag packing events at supermarkets, rallied schools and Reds fans to donate clothes and has been a constant moral support to me as a personal friend through all of life's ups and downs. 

When my car had broken down on the way to Bristol City a couple of years ago, Bobby raced down the M1 to help out. He was also one of the first on the scene when my son Josiah was fighting for his life in Sheffield Children's Hospital after a serious operation, offering prayers and comfort. I've visited churches, prisons and community events with him as he has selflessly poured out his time and energy to help others. 

We'll probably never see another Bobby Hassell at Barnsley Football Club. You won't find anyone with a bad word to say about him in the town, and even after his departure from the club he has continued to represent Barnsley so positively. 

Another striking memory is that although, in my opinion, Bobby may not have been a favourite of some managers, he never once criticised them, attacked them or tried to stir up trouble against them. As I'd rant about the club's misfortunes and poor form, he would simply smile and tell me there were more important things in life to worry about than whether nor not he was in the starting XI. 

I'd like to thank you Bobby, not only for being a great player and helping us to a memorable promotion, a once-in-a-lifetime cup run and battling to keep us in the Championship for so many years, but for your honest love and devotion to our town and our club. You're rightly nicknamed Sir Bobby. 

Matthew Murray

King's Children's Home

"Being a footballer is about far more than just taking to the pitch and Bobby has proved that he is a man to be cherished. I am proud to call him a friend." 

Patrick Cryne 

From a personal perspective I would like to thank both Bobby and Sarah who have been great with me over the years especially in giving me that exclusive interview for this very blog when he was released by BFC over 12 months ago now. If there's anything you can say about Bob it's that he's always got time for people, even if he literally hasn't got time. He goes that extra yard. On a couple of occasions when I was struggling for tickets, he'd find out and I'd get a message from him "I've got you a ticket Andy". Even yesterday he messaged me so he could make himself available so I could get a photo and a few words from him for this blog post. But due to Northern Rail that never came off. However, I did get my photo. 

Thanks, Bob. And see you soon. Barnsley legend. 

BEN MANSFORD CHAT

After recent events and recent private communication with Ben (I swore at him a lot) it was agreed that we'd have a chat for an hour in order for me to use the blog as a way of getting his own and our (supporters) opinion across to each other on various topics regarding Barnsley Football Club. I'll summarise it below. 







THE COMMENTARY ISSUE 


Ben explained that due to another year in League One the club had to make savings/cuts in all kinds of areas and it was felt that whilst it was a tough decision to get shut of Matt and Adam who had served the club well over a sustained period of time, it was a decision made in the best interests of the club. By the time the lads offered to do the job voluntarily it was too late as the deal with Radio Sheffield had already been approved. It's a similar link up that many other clubs across the country utilize. At no cost to BFC, and, much better quality in terms of technical specs. Something that fans have complained about in the past. 

My opinion - I think the savings are minimal at best, and it's an opportunity to have neutral commentators on board who are going to be less critical as they're not supporters of the club. Could be wrong, but that's how I see it. It sounds like it's going to be like listening to Radio Sheffield. In fact, that's exactly what it will sound like.
Ben will be meeting up with Matt shortly to discuss the fallout and it's both blokes' intention I think to build bridges and see where that goes. 




MASON HOLGATE 



Ben wasn't able to go into detail much on this one, for obvious reasons. Except to say that the lad has a year left to run on his present contract and that the club have fresh and generous terms on the table. But Mason has had numerous clubs watching him over the last year or so and a very 'active' agent. I put forward my opinion that so long as we got good money for him our supporters would take it on the chin. That's all we can ask for as fans. Ben was at pains to explain to me that on this subject he couldn't really mention anything else and I accepted that and moved on. 

My opinion - We'll flog him because the lad has been tempted by the bright lights etc. Won't be the first, won't be the last. Fingers crossed we're paid well for developing him etc.




ROSS TURNBULL 



The club haven't received an offer or enquiry from any club at the time of press regards Turnbull's services. However, if Adam Davies continues to play as he did under Lee Johnson last season then Ben wouldn't expect Ross to be happy to sit on the bench as a number two at this level. 

My opinion - I expect Turnbull to be off. 





WADE MAXWELL/TRIALISTS ETC 



The lad has left Liverpool despite having a year left on his scholarship. He trialled here last season and so we've taken over the year scholarship with an option to extend it should he impress as a development player. We've also taken a look at a number of other lads already this summer, including the likes of Omar Rowe, Devontae Romeo, Iain Vigurs and Callum Evans to name just a few. Ben isn't in a position to tell us whether any will be offered terms etc as that's purely down to Lee Johnson. 




KYLE DEMPSEY 



I asked if there was anything in the speculation linking him with us, and Ben compared him to Alfie Mawson in suggesting he's the type of player we're now looking at - young, hungry with resale value. We're choosing this route (inexperienced/young) as they feel that the likes of Winnall, Hourihane and Scowen show that it's working better for us than the former club policy of signing older lads with little left in the tank, he referred to Perkins, Dawson, Wiseman and Harewood. 

He made it clear that it's Mr Cryne's decision to go down this road, to try and recruit lads of that ilk, trusting Johnson to sell the club and career pathway to them who may then choose us over bigger clubs with perhaps more wages on offer. He referred to Mawson choosing us over Championship clubs and explained how Sheffield United in particular were capable of offering the lad double what we did in salary terms. But LJ had him in the building, showed him a video presentation, toured the facilities, really sold the club and pathway to him. The rest is history. 

My opinion - It's bold/brave/stupid, but he didn't sound worried in the slightest when I pointed out the lack of players at this moment in time and he did mention that they aren't ruling older heads out when I suggested we could do with some, but he did say that the older heads they might fancy are harder to attract here as most are purely thinking about money, a final pay day etc. 




SEASON TICKET SALES 


Currently at around 6,500 sales, which he described as magnificent and on a par with some Championship clubs. I agreed that our season tickets are good value if you buy em early. He said that at this level you have to show the league how much you expect to have incoming for the season, so the league (SCMP rules) can establish how much you can spend, the 60% etc. Hence the early bird. I told him the matchday prices were horrific and he said the reason for the extra two quid 'on the day' was to get the casual fans to pre-book tickets online, so the club were then able to put a name and history to that supporter in order to best utilize promotions etc. 

He discussed Bradford's success with their initiative, but said it'd be a big risk for us to follow suit. However, he did suggest possibly continuing the £300 early bird, but promising that if a certain amount of fans signed up, paid up, that once they reached that figure (14,000 was the example) they'd reimburse them £150 for instance. Not sure if he was just putting that out there, but I like the idea. 





HIS ROLE AT OAKWELL 


I asked if he'd been made a director of the club. He confirmed that he had been. That he was proud to be one. He again wanted to make clear the huge financial support that Mr Cryne was putting into the club. 




DALE JENNINGS 


I asked if it was sensible of us to release a lad, pay him off etc who then turns up at a Championship club. He said we'd reached a point with Dale where we had to sack it off, it wasn't working for either party. When three managers can't get the best out of him despite all kinds of efforts then what can you do?




BURY 


They're doing the opposite to us. They're recruiting older heads on long contracts on "four, five grand a week". Mr Cryne will not put this club in jeopardy like that. We've been burned of late with lads like that, but no more. So much research now goes into every player we try to recruit. It's not all about statistics, they're just one tool the club are using. We want 'hungry' players, 'leaders' and 'good people' too. The strategy now at Oakwell is very clear in Ben's opinion, that we are about young, exciting footballers who if they do well for us will earn us money and/or success. 

My opinion - At least it's a strategy. Any strategy can work/fail. We'll soon find out I suppose. But at least we have one where at times in recent years I've not understood what we're doing. 




POLICING 



In the Championship we had far more money, so a £200,000 police bill wasn't such a hit. But last season it hit us hard. It's not about condemning some of our supporters, it's just getting the message across that getting drunk and causing problems at away games only hits us in the pocket needlessly. He referred to the Port Vale game and stated that the police bill for the Oakwell game against them was more than the club itself made on the day. 
He did go on to praise the vast majority of fans who are a 'credit to the club' and said he was excited about the season ahead with so many local games or games with spice to them. 





BOBBY'S GAME 



As far as he knows (it's down to Bobby's committee to sort out) the current squad will be subbed off with 20 minutes or so left of the match and a team of legends or former teammates of Bobby's will take their place. Ben said that certain big name clubs were initially happy to come as opposition over the last 12 months but ended up letting Bobby down, plus with Bobby being in India it made things extra difficult to sort out or pin down. Redfearn's bar will be open for the game and he hopes as many of us as possible will be there to see the new lads in the new kit, but more importantly to wish a club legend a fond farewell and thankyou. 




THE NEW KITS 



Ben suggested that we chose our kits before Swindon did, from a Puma template. He's disappointed with the way it's turned out but accepts that being in bed with such a large manufacturer/brand will have its good and bad sides. He says the Puma gear to be unveiled over the coming months is top notch, great quality and that the tracksuit tops especially look very 'cool' and retro. The team may well be coming out wearing them as they make their way down the tunnel before kick off. 

My opinion - I get the feeling we've got Swindon's away kit too. 





LEE JOHNSON 


I asked Ben how long the club were going to give LJ. I told him that even if we're mid table again as we were with Danny Wilson, surely it's time the club gave their chosen man time. He went on to explain why Danny wasn't working out, said they feel they 100% made the right decision in their opinion. Tough choices have to be made when you are a 'board of a multi million pound business and a football club with such a large fanbase'. He said LJ buys 'totally' into their philosophy, the strategy, they feel he's also a very good and popular bloke with staff and players alike and that he just oozes a desire to succeed and get on the grass coaching young lads, doing everything he can to make himself a success, therefore making the club a success. 

He wouldn't discuss a time-frame, except to say they paid for him and gave him a contract expecting him to be here until at least the end of it, because they feel in their opinion he's the right man for BFC at this point in time. The signing of lads like Mawson, the re-signing of Nyatanga owe a lot to the manager and how he's able to get lads to buy into the vision etc. 


My opinion - Unless it goes spectacularly wrong, he'll get more time than some have recently. Whether that's reight, I think they really do see this bloke as 'the' bloke. I suppose time, and results will tell on all that... 









I will definitely have forgot little bits here and there, so if and when I remember owt I'll mention it via my usual platforms. But I'd like to thank Ben for giving me his take on things. I don't agree on certain issues, but at least he's forward enough to converse with fans. There's not many CEO's or whatever who'd give us even the time of day. So aye, fair play.


I suppose I left the conversation knowing slightly more than I did before it begun and I'm happy/satisfied knowing he's going to meet up with Matt to discuss things on that issue. It's over to them as adults now. 

I've towed my bóllocks off here trying to cobble this together so late on, but I hope the content is something you felt worth absorbing. Cheers. 




Whitey 

MATT BAILEY INTERVIEW

Last week, Barnsley Player commentator Matt Bailey revealed via his twitter feed that he'd been relieved of his duties after the best part of 20 years in the job, be it on the Player service as it is now, or the Oakwell 1575am radio station. I think it's fair to say he was 'the' voice of the reds, and I can also call him my friend. And so I've had a chat with him today regards his sudden departure from Oakwell and here's what was said.... 








AW: So mate, after nearly two decades of broadcasting on behalf of the club you've been given the boot. Why? 


MB: The official reasoning given to us was budget related - we were told it was purely and simply a cost cutting exercise, which we accepted until the club refused our offer to continue as volunteers. I thought this was strange and I refuse to accept that excuse now, I think there must be another agenda. 


AW: I see Adam (Brammer - co-commentator) hasn't gone down the same route as yourself, he's barely said a word on the matter, why's that? 


MB: I'm not sure. I know he's not happy with the situation, but maybe he'd rather save his energy for battles he's capable of winning? You'd have to ask him that question yourself. It'd be unfair of me to comment from Adam's perspective without his permission. I feel very aggrieved and that's why I've decided to "Go public."


AW: I take it there have been other staff laid off this summer at the club? 


MB: As far as I'm aware there have been other part-time and temporary staff cutbacks, yes, but I'm not sure as to the extent of those measures, I can only speak from a Barnsley Player commentary point of view. 


AW: Can you explain to us the new direction the club are going in regards commentary for our Player subscribers? 


MB: Adam Brammer and myself have been relieved of our commentary duties and BBC Radio Sheffield will be providing the broadcasts from the beginning of the new season. I've no doubt the broadcasts will still be excellent, they just won't be by fans for fans - which means less partisan and passionate. I think a lot of subscribers liked the fact that we were biased towards Barnsley and enjoyed listening to fellow supporters who care as much as they do.


AW: Have you heard anything from the club since you went public with the news? They've still not confirmed it to supporters. Maybe there's time for them to reverse their decision?


MB: I've heard nothing official since last Monday (June 29th) when we were given the news that the club didn't want us to carry on in any capacity. The media manager informed us of this decision. We were more or less resigned to the fact that the broadcasts would be outsourced, so we offered to do TV style commentary for the full match replays, an offer which was also turned down without explanation. 

I have emailed the club's CEO asking why we haven't been allowed to work for free and informed him that offer still stands, but I've yet to hear back. 
I very much doubt the decision will be reversed now, but it would be fine by me. I'm happy to start again with a clean slate and I'd put as much effort in as I've always done. 

There's a lot of hard work goes into a commentary both pre and post match, it isn't just about saying the first thing that comes into your head over the course of an hour and half. 


AW: It's a good job, knowing your mind...  Tell us about working for the club. What you enjoyed, what you didn't etc, the folk you've met... 


MB: It has been a privilege working on the commentaries over the past 19 years and the majority of the people we've met have been great, a few not so great - but that's life. 
Commentating on the first team games of my home town team was always something I'd wanted to do and I will miss it a great deal - more than the club could ever imagine.
I won't miss poor vantage points and technical problems that were beyond our control, but that ninety odd minutes working on a commentary can't be beaten in my book.


AW: Which games stick out for you that you've described? Any special moments/stories? Best players, worst players?


MB: I think this question is best saved for a time when the events of the last couple of months aren't so raw. Suffice to say there have been plenty of memorable occasions in the press box!


AW: Saving em for West Stand Bogs eh? 

Were you ever chastised for being honest in your broadcasts? Because that's one of the things folk liked about em, you were a pair of supporters, you weren't pretending it was great when it was shit and said as much. 

MB: I don't know if chastised is the right word, but I know that certain people at the club (past and present) would have preferred it if we had been less critical at times. But our style was always to be as honest as possible so as not to insult the listener's intelligence - subscribers deserve more than propaganda. 


AW: Will you now be attending games as a supporter, paying the ridiculous matchday prices they've just announced? 


MB: Probably not. First of all due to the fact that I would struggle to afford attending and secondly as I'm so dismayed by our treatment that it would be very hard for me to watch games knowing I should still be commentating on them. I wouldn't rule it out in the future though, BFC have been part of my life since 1978 and I will always follow their fortunes. 
My son and daughter both have season tickets, but they are now past the age where they'd want me to tag along with them. That's something else I missed out on by remaining loyal to the club over the years..


AW: Have players/managers/coaches etc ever pulled you up for being critical etc? 


MB: Only indirectly. On the rare occasions that club playing staff or management have taken exception to anything we've said it's been relayed to us by a media manager and we've explained our reasons for saying what we did and the matter has then usually been closed.


AW: After going out of his way seemingly last season to try and engage with vocal supporters and groups (me being one of em) and taking part in our charity walk, I find it strange that Ben Mansford has made this decision. If indeed he has? 


MB: Ben Mansford informed us, but I very much doubt the final decision to dispense of us was made by him. In the meeting we had with Ben and the club's media manager, Matt Goodwin we were led to believe that it would be fine to carry on as volunteers and that Radio Sheffield would have no issue with that. It was only when I asked the media manager for an update that I was told things had already been concluded and our services were no longer required.


AW: Mr Cryne, ever met him?


MB: I have met Mr Cryne on several occasions and been granted at least one meeting with him. This may be misguided on my part, but I don't believe he has ever been overly keen on me. I'm sure he makes every decision (rightly or wrongly) for the benefit of BFC as he sees it though and the club couldn't operate without his generous backing.


AW: What's your opinion on this Bobby Hassell testimonial saga? 


MB: I'm very surprised it's taken so long to sort, but as I don't know the full details, so once again it's not really for me to comment. I'm just glad Bobby and his family will get the opportunity to say farewell to the supporters properly and they can reciprocate and show their appreciation of his loyalty on the 18th of this month. He was a terrific servant to the club and a great ambassador for the whole town. 


AW: I can only echo that, pal. At least it's sorted and I can't wait to say goodbye, properly. But back to you - How has this event affected you? Financially, health wise etc. 


MB: Financially - very little, as our fee was nominal and basically amounted to expenses incurred, I can honestly say that I never did it for the money. Health wise - I've lost sleep and have been very depressed about the whole matter. If I'd done something wrong or our broadcasts weren't up to scratch I could understand it, but that definitely isn't the case and that's what saddens me. 


AW: The support online since you spilled the news has been amazing. Bet that at least lifts your mood a little? 


MB: I personally have been overwhelmed by people's support and it means a great deal to me. I'd like to thank everyone who has taken the time to wish us well or express their disgust at the club's stance. It has lifted my mood slightly, but I feel very hard done by and our harsh treatment will no doubt rankle for a long time yet. 
I don't think protests, petitions or canceling subscriptions will do any good, but it is nice to know that people care and are outraged by our treatment. It also gives me a lot of satisfaction knowing that the majority of listeners enjoyed our no nonsense style of broadcasting and will miss us. 


AW: I thought it was shít to be honest..
How did you get into commentary? Do you plan to continue? You should do a podcast, everybody is doing them now. 


MB: I've been commentating ever since I can remember. On my mates playing footy in the park, Subbuteo games, computer games, overdubbing MOTD videos, me mam doing the washing up or shopping....you name it. I suppose I was always going to be let loose behind a mic at some stage and that opportunity was given to me by a lovely fella named Steve Davies who paired me with Steve Pearson on Oakwell 1575am in the autumn of 1996 after I'd sent him a tape of me describing the Reds v QPR on Sensible World of Soccer..

I'd love to continue and my offer to carry on working for Barnsley Player HD is still there. A podcast would only be a good idea if I continued to attend games at Oakwell or at away grounds in L1 which looks unlikely at present.
If bridges between myself and the club have been burned then I will almost certainly be looking to broadcast for another outlet at some stage.


AW: Good lad. You'd be doing yourself a disservice if you didn't. Anyway, you're also the lead singer in an indie band aren't you? Are they sacking you off too? 


MB: Ha. They should do because I'm not very good, but I know the lad whose band it is very well and I doubt he'd get rid of me..


AW: Where do you see BFC right now under this regime? 


MB: I think there's a lot of potential at the club, even though I'd like to see them engage with supporters and respect their opinions more than seems to be the case at present. I'd like to see a lot more effort going into engaging with the 'whole' of the support rather than minorities and cliques and better relationships/bonds forged. Not everyone has an Internet presence and those that don't should be considered more. 
On the pitch - I believe they have a good young head-coach in place who has the ability to turn around the team's recent fortunes and I wish him all the very best on that front.


AW: It's my opinion that honesty goes a long way. I honestly found Ben Mansford a decent bloke last season where he went out of his way to engage with me. However, it's as obvious as the nose on Jim McNulty's face that these sort of meetings etc were done to keep (or attempt to keep) folk in check. Most folk are less likely to criticise if they're made to feel a part of something. Unfortunately, I'm not most folk and this removal of yourself and Adam has really illuminated my opinion on that, that lip service and agendas are at work. We're not part of anything. 


But enough of that, is there anybody at the club you'll miss? Any you'll not miss? 
MB: I'll miss most of the folk whose paths I've crossed there over the years. The people I won't particularly miss are very much in the minority. The media lads and photographers were good company on long away trips and we built up decent friendships on our travels, it's hard not to when you're cooped up in a car with someone for hours on end. Maybe Stretch (Keith Turner) could have cut down on his previous evening's curry consumption though!


AW: Can't beat a Bhuna. What's your thoughts on social media, blogs like this, the forums/twitter etc? 


MB: Football is obviously a game of opinions and the internet/social media gives anyone who feels the need an opportunity to get things off their chest, which is fine by me. It's when slanging matches start and things get personal that I have a problem, but I must say I've very rarely had any trolls or haters spouting at me when I've conversed with folk online.


AW: Me neither. What?
On that note, why are my videos and blogs better than anything the media at BFC produce? 


MB: Ha. Some of them are, some aren't. The club operate under a lot of constraints, both financially and time wise so maybe quality is unintentionally compromised as a result sometimes. I think anyone should be allowed to produce videos, podcasts, pics etc as long as there are no copyright infringements that could result in expensive court cases and the club are being shown in a good light. 


AW: I agree. Before tha goes, do you fancy guesting in my blog on a regular basis? Be good for your fans to still get your opinions on BFC. 


MB: If I'm not attending games it would be a bit pointless, but if I did start working on the club's games again, I'd obviously be delighted to contribute, thanks for asking, Andy and cheers again for your support and also for giving me the opportunity to express my views pal. 


AW: My pleasure. I think you've taken it well to be fair. I'd have gone full mental, you know me. Enjoy your holiday, keep playing your music and I'll si thi sooin for a pint or six. You Reds. 


MB: You Reds. 

Whilst am here, I might as well update folk on what I might have coming up this season in terms of input online. I've an interview with Darren Barnard sorted, just waiting for him to okay the transcript. I'll be attending the friendlies with Mansfield and Huddersfield so might pop some thoughts on the blog afterwards. Two big days them, for me at least, for different reasons. I'm hoping to get Ben Mansford's thoughts ahead of the new season, but since I told him of my disgust at the removal of Matt and Adam I've not heard much since. Honesty eh? 

I'm sure along the season I'll update the blog accordingly, I'll probably continue to guest on the Radio Barnsley Football Report and hopefully I'll knock out a few inspirational videos ala last season. Oh, and probably more silly videos of me at games. We'll see what occurs. 

With the loss of Matt and Adam, it's even more vital in my opinion for proper Barnsley voices when discussing our beloved BFC. We've of course got the West Stand Bogs lads, who go from strength to strength. The Radio Barnsley team will be a year wiser and will hopefully continue their sterling work. So it's not all bad. I'll continue to do my thing, and if anyone has any suggestions or ideas then let me know (telling me to STFU isn't an option). If folk want to guest write for the blog, help with the videos, fancy doing a podcast or maybe even just summat as simple as meeting up for a pint at the game, as I say, get in touch. The main thing I love about my club and town are the lads and lasses who share my same passion. It's about the social aspect for me, as much as it is the winning games of football. We can't affect the latter much, but we can the former. 

Below the photo of my beautiful face is a link to a video I put together in honour of Matt Bailey, the best commentator ever to be sacked for no reason. 

Whitey 

MATT BAILEY - END OF AN ERA