Danny Wilson has been fired by Barnsley to join Gary Johnson in the unemployment line. What happened to the long term managers of the past, or do unreachable expectations rule the day and long term growth under a single manager disappear off the radar. Although I believe managers generally deserve more respect I ask you hypothetically what would have happened if we had kept GJ, DMc or SOD longer than we did?
Mike Simples GJ - We'd have been relegated Del - We'd have been relegated SOD - We'd not only have been relegated but would probably have also been wound up as a viable club All three had to go. It could be argued that SOD shouldn't be totally blamed for being the fall guy for the clubs ridiculous stance with the 5 pillars of austerity. Having said that, his lack of engagement with the media and fans did him no favours at all.
GJ - More there than meets the eye agree a danger we may have been relegated, but not cast in stone Del - was brought in "with a plan" that didn't really get the right support, saved us and likely may have had a problem keeping us up, but likely not SOD - impossible task keeping us up, only 3 points away from safety when sacked, again given an impossible plan, but don't think we would have gone down SC..a completely different approach from the board having experimented twice and lost was important this "plan" worked so far it is scenario..promoted to Champs 23 games played and 18th with 25 points team in 21st has 24 pts.....????
SoD impossible task to keep us up? **** me we was only 3 points off safety with 20 games to go. And he even got us to one point and one time. Bet if that ****er came back now we would get relegated this season as well
Of course this is hypothetical -we will never know. Would I have any of them back?......... Danny Wilson - exciting football, but the players lacked discipline - particularly off the pitch. a 'nearly' man. No. I supported GJ right until he parted company, but would I have him back? NO - but I wish him well - a master of the underdog but not good at managing established teams - thanks for the good memories Gary and good luck..... Millen? No - Nice guy and committed - love to have a beer with him, but no..... I was excited by Delboy - but maybe he bit off more than he was ready for - no - not yet anyway. SOD- again, I thought he was experienced and a good pedigree - maybe he was shackled by club policy (?) but AWFUL in front of camera. NO The other side of the coin... PULIS - a lot of us hated him, but he did well with Stoke and is now an established prem manager - maybe we should have stuck with him ???????
Danny Wilson has made a very good living as a result of one (fortunate) promotion at Barnsley in 1997. Has been or never was manager.
