Originally Posted by
pass_and_move
John Dennis was my favourite owner. Reds thru and thru, still a season ticket holder in the west stand, ez a bacca and a chin wag wi the fans at aif time. He showed more ambition for this club than any owner in my time as a Reds fan (since 1989).
Not near as rich as the owners that there's been since his reign either. The unfortunate collapse of itv digital was his undoing and the club was close to folding as we know. Probably blotted his copy book with some Reds fans did that. However, thaz got to realise that the positives he brought to this club by far outweigh the negatives. Rebuilt the stadium, Premiership football, built the academy.
During his reign the town was in economic decline still recovering from the pit closures and high unemployment. He nivver ripped fans off by charging earth to get in. He brought in a high profile management team in Viv Anderson and Danny Wilson to try and create a buzz and interest around the club, crowds were understandably low due to the job situation in Barnsley and we all needed a lift or a turn in fortunes. Unfortunately it didn't quite work until Anderson jumped ship and went to Boro. After that the only way was up under Danny Wilson.
These current owners work within the clubs budget al give them that but there's absolutely no affinity with the fans or the town there. It's all hidden behind plastic smiles and bullshyte which some fans seem to swallow but other fans can see straight through it.
The only ambition that they show is to make money rather than be successful on the field within budget (it is possible as John Dennis proved)It's all rather like the game of football itself has got in recent years- cold, calculated and businesslike.
Hall Of Fame
Reply With Quote