We All Stand Together

With just five points from the first nine games of the season and only four goals scored it’s high time for the true resolve of the people of Barnsley to shine through.

Let’s take a look at a couple of definitions of the word ‘support’.

1. To argue in favour of.

This can certainly not be used to describe those who regularly boo at the half time or final whistle, or when the manager makes a forced substitution. Neither can it be used to describe those who leave up to ten minutes before the end of a game, whether we’re 3-0 down or 1-0 up (it does happen!).

2. To bear the weight of, especially from below.

This definition is particularly apt. Given their league position, they are in much need of this kind of support.

It’s very easy to hurl abuse at a player or the manager but it’s so much easier to just sit at home and wait for Teletext to flick over to show you the score. Just remember why you’re there. It should be to ‘support’ your club, through thick and thin.

Every true supporter will know we’ve seen our fair share of good times in recent years. F.A. Cup scalps of three of the ‘big four’ Premiership clubs inside ten years, two visits to Wembley – old and new, a thrilling penalty shoot-out victory at Cardiff to win promotion and a whole season of top flight football.

Right now it’s a relatively low point in Barnsley’s spectrum of success, so right now is when they need the support the most. Forget the extra tag alongs that turned up to get a glimpse of John Terry in April, (I was sat next to one such person, who referred to every Barnsley player as ‘lad’), we need real support at Oakwell now, not the kind of people who jeer their own players before they’ve even entered the playing field.

So if you’re not going to support the team, don’t bother turning up, you’re not welcome. The only people absolved from this criticism are the silent huddles of cardboard cut outs in the west stand who don’t make a sound at all.