The Supporters Trust had representation at the press conference today at Oakwell, which introduced the new management team of Keith Hill and David Flitcroft.
There was a fair representation from the Media, obviously the Barnsley Chronicle, local radio stations and Paul Walker from Radio Sheffield. There were also camera crews from Calendar, BBC and Sky Sports.
As he was walking towards the awaiting media, Hill set the tone when asked by someone how he was feeling. He jokingly replied, “fine, but then I haven’t done anything wrong yet have I?”. Made me laugh anyway.
Don Rowing started affairs by introducing the new Management pair of Keith Hill and David Flitcroft. Don said that their appointment has been a “unanimous decision” at board level and then spoke a little about the success the pair had had at Rochdale. Don ended his brief intro by saying that he was sure Keith Hill was the right man for the job.
The it was over to a quick group Q&A with the press.
Hill said that he was excited of the prospect of Managing a club like Barnsley FC and admitted it was a massive challenge, implying the differences between Managing a Championship club and one in League One.
Hill said that he wanted to bring his own identity to the playing style next season. Probed about this, he said that he always wants his teams to play the type of football that he would want to see if he was a spectator. He did add however that football is a results game and that 3 points was the first priority, but that where possible, attacking football was his preferred style of play. Players will have 'freedom (of Play) within a framework' - 'freedom to play football'.
He was then questions about his “rethink”, and asked why he’d initially declined the opportunity to Manage the Reds. Hill said that there had been no rethink, and that he’d simply given himself time to make the right decision. Hill said that leaving Rochdale would be a difficult decision and wasn’t one he’d wanted to rush into. Delaying for a week gave him time to weigh up the options and do their “Due Diligence” on the move. He also said that he wanted to show Rochdale respect by not wanting to seemingly ditch them as soon as a club in a higher league came calling.
Hill was then asked what he knew of the BFC playing staff. He said that he was familiar with the players (Flitcroft later explained that they’d watched our last 8 games using the Pro Zone technology so they had a good idea of the players and their capabilities). Hill said that he would use pre-season to assess the state of the playing staff and that process started immediately. He did concede that he thought our squad offered plenty of quality, both in terms of the first team and the youth setup. He did say however that his emphasis was on the team rather than individuals, presumably to rebuff any immediate questions on who may go or who may be coming in. Mr Hill aims to improve in the first season, 'it's new to me and learning from Barnsley'. His ambition is to finish at the top of the league not just Championship survival.
The work on the training pitch is important, it win's games
One journalist then reminded Hill of the way Barnsley were once said to play “like Brazil” and asked Hill if that was something he’d like to get back to us being known for. He said “Not quite, but our playing style at Rochdale has won admirations from across the leagues and we’ll be looking to bring that style to Barnsley”. He said he wouldn’t be able to turn us into Brazil overnight (but presumably implying that he fancied giving it a go!).
He then went on to talk about Dave Flitcroft and said that they were very much a double act with Flitcroft bringing a “great deal of endeavour and good business acumen”. David is a businessman, and they both belive that 'joint success is important', both have ambition & endeavour. Hill 'would not want to do any job in football without David'.
Don was asked about the contract and replied that it was “as is usual these days” a one year rolling contract.
Then a journo, presumably from Radio Lancs, asked if they had a message for Rochdale fans as they depart. Hill wished them all the best for the future and said that he’d left Spotland with a “sad heart”. He also said however that they’d left them in a very strong position and was looking forward to continuing that success here at Barnsley.
The media then had individual interviews with Hill, the details of which I am sure you'll hear and see on Calendar, Look North and Radio League One tonight.
Whilst Hill was doing all this we had a chat with Flitcroft about his vision for Barnsley FC.
- He said that Managing a football club was all about the support network that exists for the players- not just the footballing side but non-football, and he said that both he and Hill paid a great deal of attention to how players are treat generally. He said that their vision was not just about the training pitch but ensuring players are happy off the pitch. He also commented that in his view that support network needed development (implying it wasn't a Robins priority).
- He said that he and Hill were a strong believer in Pro Zone, the performance review and analysis tool used by many clubs. He said that they'd insisted on appointment that Pro Zone would be used under their management as it had not been used by Robins. He then spoke very highly of the service and how it allows managers to increase performance and review opposition. He said that he and Hill were in Leeds last week watching our last 8 performances using Pro Zone to assess our squad and style of play.
- He also said that Recruitment was key and that they would focus on getting the right players at the club
Everyone then decamped down to the pitch for the usual Oakwell pics and interviews with scalves held aloft yadda yadda. They even interviewed me, so god forbid for your sake lets hope none of that gets air time.
Personally I was very impressed by the pair. They came across as very confident, happy to be where they are, and a good footballing team.
That is all
Paul Hicks and Adrian Willis
Trust Board Members