Originally Posted by
SBRed48
The sneaking in under the radar card can no longer be played with Duff.
He has coached a group of free transfers, loanees and relegation haunted players into a confident, effective group in the Third Division. An "average" coach would have seen us in the also ran group.
He has achieved legendary status in a short time but the issue is now that the regional and national media in print, broadcasting and social media are picking up on this and heaping praise upon him. Bigger clubs, particularly in the Championship, will have his name on their lists as a potential replacement. Michelle Owen and the Sky pundits were singing Duff's praises on Tuesday night. The same thing happened with the last cult hero, "Big Val".
It is why I keep saying promotion via automatic or the Play Offs is essential. Glorious failure will not cut it. I know some say Duff is too loyal to jump ship if he is made a big offer but staying at Cheltenham for some years with his Cheltenham born wife, kids in school, nice house, nice area etc was a different decision.
Duff needs Barnsley to be in the Championship next season, as do the Board, even more.
# Promotion SB