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The
atmosphere was great, full of hope and optimism - it was as though
we had been given 90 minutes to forget all the politics going on
in the background.
Any
visiting fan couldn't possibly have picked up on the fact that we
have seen another summer of turmoil at our club as everyone got
behind the new players and management team.
And
what a welcome it was for Gudjon and Ronnie!
It's
amazing to see the level of support they have from the fans, after
all we've not seen much of pre-season.
I just
think everyone can see how much hard work is being put in, and we
finally have a manager who knows how to build a defence!
The
new boys all did well, especially the new captain, Peter Handyside,
and in Illic we finally have a keeper who looks confident and imposing.
All
in all, a sound early season performance. Well organised, with some
good football.
It
was good to see Steve Hayward back, he's had a tough few years and
I think he'll be a key player for us if he can stay fit.
But,
nothing stays still in football, and we have more games coming up
quickly.
It's
Blackpool at home in the cup tonight - and the return of Bullock,
Flynn and Sheron.
I
wonder what sort of reception they'll receive, or Sheron in particular?
One
thing is for sure though; Sheron will have a blinder.
We
all know what he is capable of, even if we only ever saw it once
or twice per season, so at some point expect a curling 25-yarder
into the top corner.
I'll
be in the Ponty cheering the boys on, and looking forward to another
rendition of Ronnie's song - you know how it goes!
Then
it's back to the important business - Bournemouth away in the league.
I think
it's a good time to play them, they've just been promoted, lost
their first game and are still maybe finding their feet at this
level.
The
papers have it down as a home banker, but I'm confident we'll get
something.
It
would be amiss of me to write this without mentioning the ongoing
speculation about the ownership of our club.
I don't
have "contacts" and I'm not someone in the know, but we
are all aware of the rumours about Ridsdale and Cryne.
My
view on this is simple - when they came in for the club along with
Lewis I would have preferred a Ridsdale/Cryne takeover.
However,
I now think that this story rearing its head again is unsettling
for fans and players, and believe we need stability.
I want
to give Lewis a chance - I think he has some sound ideas. Additionally,
any further takeover would potentially jeopardise the position of
Thordarsson.
I wouldn't
want to see him go, and I think most Barnsley fans are with me on
this one!
As
I said last week, I'm the eternal optimist. My 2-0 with Hayward
to score prediction didn't come off, but that free kick was close!
I expected
him to take the penalty, but credit to Gorre - he looked very composed.
As
for this week - I'm going for 2-1 tonight, and a speculative flutter
on Ireland to score (should be tasty odds with him being a defender).
Saturday's
prediction - 1-0 to Barnsley, and ill stick with Hayward to get
it.
I think
1-0 could be a regular scoreline for us, we don't look full of goals,
but look solid at the back.
Maybe
we can become like that legendary Arsenal team under George Graham.
I can
hear the Oakwell faithful now singing "1-0 TO THE BARNSLEY."
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