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This Team Has To Fire, And They Have To Fire Now - Notes for Barnsley
Friday, 7th Feb 2014 10:31 by HarryFromBath

HarryfromBath assesses the mood in the opposition camp ahead of Saturday's game by delving into their forums.

"No disrespect, but we're sitting here discussing Yeovil's result. How did we get into this mess?", "I don't see how fans can keep saying how many poor teams we've played when each time we fail to beat them. What does that make us?"

"I think the writing's on the wall, but I hope Danny Wilson can prove me wrong", "We didn't get enough points up to Christmas. It's the last manager's fault for me", "One win in ten games is relegation form", "We're only five points adrift and we've 19 games left."

Barnsley fans are evenly split on whether their team can escape relegation this season, but they widely agree that results in February will shape their destiny far more than results in April. "The winning habit has to start before our task becomes impossible."

A Bitter Derby Defeat

The Tykes' results and performances have improved recently. They picked up four points from two home games, drawing 2-2 with Blackburn and beating Blackpool 2-0.

However, they suffered a painful 1-0 defeat to a 97th minute Chris Maguire goal at Hillsborough last Saturday. It was an intensely fought encounter which saw midfielders Jacob Mellis and new signing Emmanuel Frimpong sent off.

"You couldn't make it up", "Always against that lot", "I'm sick of feeling like this after we play them", "I can't stand it anymore. I'm sick of feeling angry and cheated every time we play them at their dump", "Today's defeat was a body blow."

"Danny could easily keep us up, but not when he has to take into account the gross stupidity of some of our players, especially the two dismissed ones", "We were architects of our downfall today, with players lacking any sort of discipline and getting sent off."

"We were fantastic on Saturday, absolutely fantastic. We grafted like hell, never looked like conceding and caused them some problems", "I thought they gave everything", "You couldn't have asked for any more from the team in terms of effort."

Danny Wilson

"Danny Wilson has brought in a bunch of quality players to try and keep us up", "Wilson needs plug and play Championship players and the ones he has brought in are exactly what we have been crying out for", "We have a better chance with the players Danny has brought in."

Eight new players have joined the Tykes either permanently or on loan in this transfer window and Wilson, who replaced David Flitcroft in December, has tried 28 outfield players in the last seven games. He has favoured playing 4-4-2 when he has had two established strikers fit and available.

"Half of them haven't played two games together. They haven't had a pre-season to work together or new systems to learn", "On paper, he's assembled a proper squad in double quick time. We've a job and a half on our hands, but we've got some proper players for the job."

"Danny isn't the type to make excuses", "Whether we stay up or go down, we have a top manager whatever league we are in", "Wilson's not daft. The dross will be out the door quickly", "You can't unravel two and a half years of mistakes in two months."

"One worrying thing has to be the number of players who can't do 90 minutes. We hardly ever get an option to make tactical substitutions because we need to replace players who after 60 minutes appear to be as fit as I am on a Sunday morning at 8am after a good night out."

Not Keeping Possession

"We constantly kept giving Wednesday back the ball, thus inviting more pressure. This trait has been present all season", "We have no movement off the ball, but tend to stand and watch, whereas Blackburn and Wednesday created plenty of space and moved the ball quickly out wide."

"You cannot give the ball away like they did on more than one occasion in front of your own 18-yard box. That is ultimately what cost us." The poor clearance by Jim O'Brien which led to the late Owls winner came as absolutely no surprise to supporters.

Defence

"It's the lads at the back I feel sorry for. They defended for their lives but were overworked due to our inability to retain the ball", "Tremendous effort from the back four, but wave after wave of Wednesday attacks were caused by our inability to keep possession."

"The back four can hold their heads up high", "For the first time in a long time it looks like the defence are being coached in the art of defending. There's still a lot of work to be done but they're coming on."

Luke Steele

Former West Brom keeper Luke Steele "is tremendously agile. He's the best shot sopper we've had since David Watson." The 29-year-old "is a very, very good keeper", "He doesn't command his area well and isn't particularly strong with the ball at his feet, but he is tremendously agile."

Crystal Palace loan signing Jack Hunt made an impressive debut against the Owls. "The lad at right-back looked good until he ran out of petrol", "He's a terrific player, was composed on the ball and found the pass instead of just lumping it forward", "He was better going forward than defending."

A lack of match fitness saw Hunt was substituted midway through the second half. The 23-year-old former Terrier has been recovering from an ankle injury picked up in September. "Hunt avoided a tackle at one stage. He may be scared of getting hurt again", "He's some player even half-fit."


Danny Wilson tried no less than six different players prior to Jack Hunt at right-back, but 28-year-old former Leicester man Tom Kennedy has played regularly at left-back. "Kennedy deserves great credit for turning his form around, although he was very poor earlier in the season."

Kennedy has been erratic in recent games. Against Blackburn, he was "too slow, always out of position, incapable of passing a ball forward and broke up our play better than the opposition", "He offers little going forward and is usually reduced to last ditch challenges in defence."

"I'm not Peter Ramage's biggest fan but he was excellent against the Owls", "He looks more like the player I thought we had signed", "He has steadily improved game by game", "Ramage has been turning it around, putting in better performances and was brave and fearless against Blackburn."

Peter Ramage

The 30-year-old ex-QPR centre-back joined the Tykes in September on loan from Crystal Palace. "Ramage is really enjoying it here. His performances have improved since Danny returned, as has our defence full stop", "He was a rock all game last Saturday."

Martin Cranie

"Martin Cranie is our most consistent player", "He's an okay player at this level. However, he is a perennial relegation battler. He lacks the personality of (Burnley centre-back) Jason Shackell to really get ahead in this league", "He's a good player but doesn't appear to influence others."

"His leadership is calm and unflustered like Bobby Moore. His style may be understated, but it is effective and he is popular with other players." The 27-year-old former Coventry centre-back is seen as a decent defender but some fans question his captaining the side.

"He doesn't act as captain, providing the team with any support or guidance. He can organise his own business, but not the team's. Cranie the player had a decent game against Wednesday, but Cranie the captain had a shocker", "We are struggling for leaders on the pitch."

Central Midfield

"We do need to address this casual dribbling. We are not good enough to get away with it. We give the ball away too easily, but in danger the first rule of defending should be applied", "It sounded like we defended like Trojans at times, but our midfield failed us in the end."

With both starting central midfielders red-carded last Saturday, Danny Wilson's biggest task will revolve around how to reshuffle his midfield. Seven different players have been tried in recent games, with fans variously questioning their form, experience or match fitness.

"Paul Digby sat in and did a job for the team against Blackburn. He's a good player who uses his head and makes us tick. We played better and kept the ball when he came on", "It's good to see a local lad breaking into the team", "He played like he cared as well."

Paul Digby

Tykes are full of praise for the 18-year-old youth product. "He played really well (in the 2-0 home win) against Blackpool. He was dropping deep to pick up the ball from the centre-backs and getting us some good possession", "He formed an effective second-half partnership with Liam Lawrence."

"Lawrence is two-footed, has an eye for a pass, is skilful and has a fantastic shot on him", "I would play him in the hole behind the front men." The 32-year-old former Portsmouth player joined from PAOK Salonika three weeks ago, and has played in a couple of games, coming on from the bench.

Although Lawrence has played out wide, many fans see him adding stability and experience to their central midfield in their discussions. "I think he'll flourish in this team under Danny's guidance", "He has a positive and attacking outlook", "He will be starting every week as soon as he is match fit."

"Tomasz Cwyka never does it from the start", "He's a very talented but inconsistent player. He's one of the few midfielders providing any goal threat. I have lost count of the number of times he has made an impact as a substitute." Cywka has come on from the bench in five of the last seven games.

The 25-year-old former Reading and Derby man "is not afraid to shoot from long range", "All his goals have come from the bench", "Tommy Poland doesn't have a defensive side to his game, whereas coming on as substitute he only has attack on his mind in a 20 minute burst."

Stephen Dawson

"Don't get me started on Dawson. He's a liability", "He tries, bless him, but lacks quality", "How many times did he give the ball away?" "He wastes possession, has the positional sense of Forrest Gump and cannot even control a ball", "He's continually giving the ball away in dangerous areas."

Dawson stretchered off against Town January 2013

Supporters are most critical of the 28-year-old's poor positional sense. "Dawson left his man against Blackburn, which pulled Dale Jennings inside to cover from the right. This left our full-back outnumbered with his man and an overlapping full-back. We were torn to shreds down that flank."

The former Orient player "runs around like a Jack Russell chasing a Tesco carrier bag in a game. There is plenty of effort but no quality", "We stopped getting over-run by Rovers when he went off in the second half. He was chasing the ball like a dog on Scarborough beach."

Wide Midfield

"Brek Shea does a lot of work defensively, tracking back and helping Tom Kennedy out", "He isn't a bad player but he doesn't seem to frighten opponents." The 23-year-old USA international joined the Tykes on loan from Stoke on New Year's Day and has started regularly on the left flank.

Brek Shea

"Shea has been ineffective in the past two games. He let his man run off against Blackburn, jogging around, and wasn't really interested when everyone else was putting their necks on the line", "He looks like a foal finding his feet, which is not great when we need stallions in a fight for survival."

"Shea offers far less offensively than Paddy McCourt." The former Celtic winger has been sidelined in recent games. "What's the point of all that ability when you put zero effort in, unless you are spoon fed the ball?" "Paddy's only effective for 15 minutes. The rest of the time he's being carried."

Jim O'Brien

"Did you see Jim O'Brien at Ipswich? He came on as a substitute and scored a goal, but for God's sake, apart from that game, what exactly has he done?"

Jim O'Brien v Cressy

The former Motherwell player came off the bench against the Owls, but was slated for conceding possession for their winner deep into stoppage time. "He had all the pitch and stands to dispatch the ball to, but instead he rolled the perfect pass to Maguire who thought it was his birthday."

"O'Brien is a battler who will always give 100% whenever he plays, but we need more quality than battling. His shooting and final pass are a constant let down", "He's a decent squad player to run around if you are chasing the game", "He tries hard but lacks quality."

Dale Jennings

"Dale is starting to look the player I thought we had signed", "I don't know what MK Dons did in that month (in December when he was on loan) but it's like having a new signing", "I'm really impressed with him. I think he'll be an important player for the rest of the season."

The 21-year-old right winger, who joined the Tykes from Bayern Munich in the summer, has blossomed in recent weeks under the new manager. "He shouldn't have been taken off. He was the only threat we had (against Wednesday)", "He went off because he was shattered."

"It's a long time since I have seen a cross that good (against Blackburn). It was impossible to defend", "It was a sublime cross. It was worth being there just to see that goal." Fans have been eulogising the debut goal he set up for Nick Proschwitz against Rovers. "He was our best player by a mile."

Strikers

"If we're not playing Proschwitz as a target man, he can be best used as a goal poacher while O'Grady takes the brunt of the physical side of the game." With former ITFC striker Jason Scotland - whose "legs had gone" - now departed, Tykes are enthusiastic about their new front pairing.

Nick Proschwitz

"People look at his size and assume he is a target man. He's not that at all. He's a box player from what I have seen. He's been brought in to play off O'Grady and convert the balls that are put into the box", "The lad's not afraid to have a shot. It's what we've been crying out for."

The 27-year-old German striker has joined on loan from Hull for the rest of the season. "He's always looking to shoot. If anything, he's a bit too eager when there may be a pass", "He's quite strong, although not the biggest", "He takes the pressure of O'Grady, who has prospered because of it."

Chris O'Grady

"Chris O'Grady is the only player capable of playing up front as a lone striker", "He works hard every week", "He's the one player I would always trust to hold the ball up and relieve the pressure off the defence."

The 28-year-old former Rochdale and Sheffield Wednesday striker is praised by many Tykes for his industry, and supporters were critical of Danny Wilson's decision to take him off when Emmanuel Frimpong was red-carded after 34 minutes last Saturday.

"The ball does not stick with Proschwitz. It kept coming back at us", "I would rather have seen O'Grady drop into midfield. A player like him is worth two and is a must when we are down to ten men."

Barnsley Supporters' Views on ITFC and the Game

"Ipswich at home on Saturday. We'll be without Frimpong and Mellis. However, other players will have the opportunity to stake their claim, especially in midfield", "I'd like to think that the management and players can vent their anger and frustration from last Saturday this weekend."

"It's a must win game. We cannot afford to draw any more home games. Oakwell needs to start to be a fortress soon." Tykes match-day discussions have been about their depleted central midfield and putting last week's result to bed. There has been little discussion about Mick or our players.

Websites

The best message board is The Barnsley FC Fans Bulletin Board.


Photo: Action Images



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itfcbonanza added 11:01 - Feb 7
Thanks Harry, in depth as usual
2

Ipswich_Loyal added 11:40 - Feb 7
Great read mate, cheers!
1

DanLyles added 11:52 - Feb 7
Barnsley aren't a bad side on paper. I'm so pleased Mellis and Frimpong got silly last weekend and are suspended for the game against us. It's anybodys guess who MM will start with in midfield and on the wing. I'm guessing he will revert back to 4-4-2 which he tends to do away from home. The usual back 4, then Anderson, Skuse, Tabb (more grit needed away at Oakwell than Wordsworth) and Hunt, then Dids and Murph up front. SEB (now fit again), Taylor and Wordsworth are great attacking options from the bench.
0

WhiteyBFC added 13:35 - Feb 7
Heyup, lads/lasses.

I see you've been perusing our forum, and I have to say that's a very decent, in depth account of our general thoughts right now.

I think the lack of much discussion around Ipswich or Mick is mainly down to the hangover from last weekend. It's certainly not a lack of respect for you as a club/supporters, nor our beloved Mick. In fact, I think it's okay for me on behalf of our forum to suggest you lot are some of the better supporters we've come across over the years. I think the playoff final is crucial to that. Despite the result, it was a wonderful day in the history of BFC, and something I know I'll never forget. The red and blue that day made for a fantastic spectacle, and the noise and friendly rivalry put many an FA Cup Final to shame.

Good luck to you for the remainder of the season, and safe journeying to those making the long trip up to Oakwell tomorrow.

Whitey.
7

WhiteyBFC added 13:35 - Feb 7
Heyup, lads/lasses.

I see you've been perusing our forum, and I have to say that's a very decent, in depth account of our general thoughts right now.

I think the lack of much discussion around Ipswich or Mick is mainly down to the hangover from last weekend. It's certainly not a lack of respect for you as a club/supporters, nor our beloved Mick. In fact, I think it's okay for me on behalf of our forum to suggest you lot are some of the better supporters we've come across over the years. I think the playoff final is crucial to that. Despite the result, it was a wonderful day in the history of BFC, and something I know I'll never forget. The red and blue that day made for a fantastic spectacle, and the noise and friendly rivalry put many an FA Cup Final to shame.

Good luck to you for the remainder of the season, and safe journeying to those making the long trip up to Oakwell tomorrow.

Whitey.
8

HarryfromBath added 14:09 - Feb 7
Dan, I couldn't agree more about the two red cards, especially Mellis, as he is a very dangerous player for them. The game has all the hallmarks of another closely fought Championship game with barely a goal between the teams.

Whitey, many thanks for your comments and for coming over and posting on here. I try really hard to reflect a consensus view and I am the first to apologise if people think I have got anything wrong.

For what it's worth, I think that 'Barnsley Mark II' are a much stronger proposition than the pre-Christmas team and I think that you will avoid the drop, even if it does mean another white knuckle ride.

I think that there is a degree of affection between the two clubs, partly because of Mick, partly because of the play-off game, but also because both clubs don't have an over-inflated view of their own importance.
2

SamWhiteUK added 14:19 - Feb 7
The 25-year-old former Reading and Derby man "is not afraid to shoot from long range"

"All his goals have come from the bench"

Crikey, that is long range!
3

LiamCP123 added 14:32 - Feb 7
"It's a must win game." Said The Barnsley fan.

Kinda getting scared now. First time I saw that we will be playing Barsley, I thought "It's another 3 points in the bag" But now I think I'm wrong. Barsnley are a good side and I could see this ending either a draw or a win for us.

Altough I won't be happy with a draw with a team that's at last. Mixed feelings.
2

ericclacton added 14:52 - Feb 7
I think a very hard fixture after reading that Harry, I would take a draw now.
3

Normandyblue added 19:45 - Feb 7
Brilliant Harry, look forward to your report every week, always read but rarely comment, sure there are hundreds like me out there, please keep up the good work, you make following a team from abroad that much easier/interesting.
2

Flewitt85 added 20:04 - Feb 7
A guaranteed 3 points surely!! Early goal will win it!

COYB!
1

michaeldownunder added 20:07 - Feb 7
Cheers for that Harry
Another tight away game, I think Mick would take a point now but I feel we need three to stand any chance of getting into the playoffs.

There are no 'we should be beat them' games in this leage IMO.

Cheers to all the Barnsley fans, the play off final was a great footballing / fans day. not sure I would have been in such a good mood if we had lost.
2

JCBLUE added 21:47 - Feb 7
Great article as always Harry, really hope MM reads these!
1


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