Barnsley manager Keith Hill has spoken of his frustration at the way the current pre-season system works.
The reds boss wants all pre-season games to be played behind closed doors and wants the system to be piloted next pre-season to see how it works.
Hill believes the intensity of playing in front of crowds makes injuries more likely. He would also like the element of surprise going in to a new season where your opponents have no idea what to expect.
An interesting idea for sure and I do agree with the points Hill makes. However clubs would lose valuable income if the games were to be played behind closed doors. This would hurt some of the smaller clubs who have the marquee pre-season friendly for much needed revenue.
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That is ridiculous?!?!?!
I understand where Keith is coming from on this, you only have to look on some of the message boards to see how some of the idiots blow friendly performances massively out of proportion but the income generated, especially when clubs at Championship or League 1 level get a home friendly against a Premiership club, would be hugely missed
I can see Hill’s reasons behind it but it will never happen as a whole. Clubs themselves could decide to do it but I don’t think any would opt to from a revenue point of view.
I think Mr Hill is correct to to insist on the ridiculous idea being piloted next year. Can I suggest that your manager suggests to the football league that Barnsley will play all their pre seaon friendlies at home next year and everyone of them behind closed doors.
I think Hill will suggest it to the club. Can’t see the club being too keen on the idea and losing out on income, or other teams playing behind closed doors when they can play someone else and get some money in for the club.