Watcher_Of_The_Skies said:Hello. Barnsley fan here :)
Well you'll be unsurprised to hear we're all quite excited about playing you in the QF, although it's fair to say we were hoping for a home draw against one of the non-premiership teams so we could make our 2nd semi in the last 4 years. However we're quite happy with 4 quarter finals in the last 15 years. Better than many premiership teams!
As you may or may not know know we sacked Keith Hill and after trying for Terry Butcher and Sean O'Driscoll (and failing to land either) the club plumped for Hill's assistant Flitcroft, in part down to the players really wanting him. Not a universal choice amongst fans to say the least, but after losing his first game after only a couple of days in charge we've won 7 of the last 8, and drawing the other game (including a 2-0 win over Leeds). So on current form we're the 2nd best team in the Championship since the turn of the year, so I wouldn't pay much attention to the current league table if you're looking for clues to form.
Flitcroft has really galvanised the side in a remarkable way and has a squad who are not only winning games (we were the worst team in all four divisions over the last year before he took over!) but also working as hard as any side most Barnsley fans can remember seeing for a long, long time. It's fair to say that we dont fear any team at the moment and as good as you are, that includes you too!
On top of that we've been playing some good football under a 5-3-2 or 3-5-2 formation that many teams have struggled to get to grips with - probably in part due to the fact it is not seen much these days. I suppose if we played the game 10 times we might get lucky and win the once, and maybe force a draw in one more - but that's the beauty of the cup. On any given day any team can beat another, regardless of league position.
I fancy a fairly tight game with the game being decided by the odd goal. We might need some large slices of luck in our 2-1 win ;)
Oh and btw, good luck to the guy who has booked his flight for the semi-final. Ive looked on Twitter and someone has tweeted our players this little story, so if they need any further motivation, they have it!
ps congrats on last seasons Premiership title, great theatre at the end!
Millwallawayveteran1988 said:Whoever gets through I hope the FA see sense this year.
Last years semi final kick off times were 12.30 Saturday (scousers) and 6pm Sunday (cockneys)
Not exactly fan friendly times!
I'm guessing yet another Irish armchair rag.Hamann Pineapple said:Are you a town crier ?
sjk2008 said:If we manage to do the unthinkable and beat Everton at Goodison (again), then I would actually fancy us to turn Wigan over in the QF's at BP.
That being said, only I could be off to Benidorm on a Stag Doo whilst it's FA Cup SF weekend, when little Oldham manage to get there.
Being realistic, Everton will maul us.
At half 5 this morning I got told off by Mrs P for laughing at this. In my nearly-hungover giddy state I then had a fit of the giggles at all things bacon.Interpolantics said:waspish said:Interpolantics said:There does be a lot of smelling fear going on with some of ye guys.Are ye sure someone hadn't just let off. :-)Seriously though oc Fergie will be a huge loss,our next managerial appointment will be a massive(am I allowed to use that word or will the paranoid police be out again?)decision.It will be a sad day for all reds,he's the only manager I've known and I've supported United nearly 25 years.
Well having watched them live for 30 years I know the difference of fear and you could understand it being we stuffed your lot 1-6 all be it against 10 men and the 2-3 win this season was down to one man your manager his sub changed the game whoever you get will be a downward spiral for your team managers like Rasher don't come around that often!
So you praise him and acknowledge his greatness then go on to call him Rasher.Ok then.
Pressure and expectation may weigh heavily on Everton.sjk2008 said:If we manage to do the unthinkable and beat Everton at Goodison (again), then I would actually fancy us to turn Wigan over in the QF's at BP.
That being said, only I could be off to Benidorm on a Stag Doo whilst it's FA Cup SF weekend, when little Oldham manage to get there.
Being realistic, Everton will maul us.
Marvin said:Pressure and expectation may weigh heavily on Everton.sjk2008 said:If we manage to do the unthinkable and beat Everton at Goodison (again), then I would actually fancy us to turn Wigan over in the QF's at BP.
That being said, only I could be off to Benidorm on a Stag Doo whilst it's FA Cup SF weekend, when little Oldham manage to get there.
Being realistic, Everton will maul us.
90% Everton will win, but there's always a chance
sjk2008 said:Marvin said:Pressure and expectation may weigh heavily on Everton.sjk2008 said:If we manage to do the unthinkable and beat Everton at Goodison (again), then I would actually fancy us to turn Wigan over in the QF's at BP.
That being said, only I could be off to Benidorm on a Stag Doo whilst it's FA Cup SF weekend, when little Oldham manage to get there.
Being realistic, Everton will maul us.
90% Everton will win, but there's always a chance
I know, I know.
We went to Goodison a few years back and won 1-0, when nobody gave us a chance. Same with Forest (A), Liverpool (H) and Everton (H) again, noone gave us a chance.
I just think it's one step too far for us but this cup run has given us some much needed money.
Only if we beat Everton will I actually go into an FA Cup game this season quietly confident of winning (Wigan).
I'm hopeful but realistic at the same time.