There’s always tension in late July, but this feels different. Barnsley’s transfer strategy, communication, and squad depth are all being questioned, and the silence from Oakwell is only adding fuel to the fire.
Nobody expects perfection in July. But fans are now asking whether there’s a plan at all, and if there is, why nobody seems to be explaining it.
Where Is the Right-Back?
The most glaring issue is the lack of a natural right-back. After releasing multiple players who could cover the position, Barnsley appear to be heading into the season with no senior option on that flank. It’s not just oversight, it’s baffling.
Supporters know the club is shifting formation this year. That’s no secret. The decision to offload Jordan Williams, Corey O’Keeffe, Barry Cotter and Dan Lofthouse makes a degree of sense in isolation, especially if the tactical approach doesn’t rely on wing-backs. But doing so without bringing in at least one specialist right-sided defender with five days to go feels negligent.
There are also concerns about the balance of the centre-backs, with questions raised about whether any are truly suited to the right side of a back four. Names like Mael de Gevigney, Kacper Lopata and Marc Roberts may tick that box, but it’s hardly reassuring to be squinting for solutions instead of seeing a clear structure.
Mixed Messages and Missing Transparency
Beyond tactics, it’s the opacity that rankles. Barnsley fans can take a lot, but not being treated like mugs. If the club’s ambition is simply consolidation, that’s not unreasonable. But say it. Be honest. A rebuilding season is perfectly acceptable in the right context. What’s harder to stomach is the pretence that the project is on course while key holes in the squad remain.
Recruitment chief Mladen Sormaz is under scrutiny. That’s inevitable in a summer that’s dragged and stalled. The communication around deals, the lack of clarity over priorities, and even the small things like third kits and squad numbers are all piling up to create a perception of disorganisation. When clubs are under-resourced, communication becomes even more important, not less.
Some supporters will argue that it’s too early to judge, and that’s fair. But if the window is still open, so is the door to criticism. And right now, it’s wide open.
Half a Toolbox for Conor Hourihane
Manager Hourihane isn’t blameless either, but he’s operating with a half-stocked toolbox. He needs a striker. He needs a right-back. He might need a central midfielder if one departs late in the window, as many suspect will happen.
The arrival of David McGoldrick adds pedigree but brings injury risk. If McGoldrick misses time, the options up front quickly start to look stretched. It’s not about panic, it’s about realism. The manager deserves better resources if he’s to implement a clear tactical identity, and right now that remains difficult.
There’s also the question of continuity. Supporters were sold a vision of modern, data-led recruitment and progressive team building. At the moment, that vision appears blurred. Too many short-term decisions, too many gaps, and too little clarity on how this version of Barnsley grows from here.
What Should Happen Next?
First and foremost, the club must act in the transfer market. There’s still time to bring in the two or three key additions that would restore balance to the squad. A right-back, a striker, and maybe one versatile defensive option could make a huge difference.
Second, Barnsley need to open up. Supporters aren’t asking for trade secrets, just some acknowledgement of reality. Transparency doesn’t weaken a club; it strengthens trust. Explaining the process, admitting challenges, and outlining the goal would go a long way.
Finally, Mladen Sormaz and the senior leadership must be judged by the outcomes. If by the end of August the team is competitive and the squad looks balanced, criticism will ease. But if issues remain unresolved, fans will rightly continue to question his role and the direction of the club under his recruitment watch.
Conclusion
This isn’t about doom-mongering. It’s about standards. Barnsley are one of the bigger clubs in League One. They have a loyal support, a strong history, and a fanbase that understands the constraints of modern football. But that doesn’t mean they’ll accept poor planning, muddled messaging or unnecessary risk.
The anger right now isn’t just about right-backs or squad numbers. It’s about being left in the dark. There’s still time to fix it, still time to show that this summer has a method behind the apparent madness. But the clock is ticking and the silence is deafening.
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