Reasons To Be Cheerful

So the dust has almost settled on a remarkable season and a Barnsley rejuvenation of epic proportion. What climaxed on Saturday afternoon in Huddersfield was not the end of an amazing journey, it was just the beginning. Here is why I believe Barnsley fans have much to be excited about.

There is no need to mention the statistics, we all know the position Dave Flitcroft started this campaign and finished it is quite incredible. He created a team with belief and confidence, willingness to play from a side scared to play with no belief. It is clear to see how, every time I listen to Flitcroft talk it excites me, I believe every word. More importantly I want to believe everything he says.

I nodded in appreciation when I read an article recently in which Dave Flitcroft labelled other coaches ‘lazy’, this excites me because I want a coach who works with his players, develops them. Barnsley are notoriously unwilling/unable to table big transfer fees, which means for Barnsley to be successful we need a coach to develop and nurture players. We cannot attract ready made superstars. We must create them.

Twitter is a tremendous tool for modern sport fans, how great it was over the bank holiday weekend to follow people outside of Yorkshire talking about Barnsley FC. Talksports Adrian Durham labelled Dave Flitcroft his championship manager of the year. What followed was football fans from all over the country, many giving their award to Barnsley for club of the year and many nominations for Dave Flitcroft as manager of the year.

Momentum is a wonderful thing in sport, let’s hope the momentum rule is in effect come the start of the 2013/14 season. We already know Flitcroft is a great motivator, the big test will come this summer, can he wheel and deal? If the right personnel come into Oakwell this summer I predict big things for Dave Flitcroft and this Barnsley side.