It seems that Mark Stokes’ article on Reuben Noble-Lazarus has caused some controversy amongst Reds’ fans – so I thought I’d add my two penneth for what it’s worth!
Despite what the conspiracy theorists would like to believe, I suspect the reasoning behind the appearance of Noble-Lazarus is mundane rather than Machiavellian. Reuben is clearly a lad with a lot of potential and it would seem logical for the Club to protect its’ financial interests by making him a full professional and handing him a first team appearance. That way the Club will be entitled to a larger compensation package should he decide to leave. What would the reaction have been had Reuben departed for a pittance because the Club hadn’t exploited that opportunity?
Nor do I buy into the ’smokescreen’ argument. Managers are judged on results – always have been, always will be. Did the appearance of Reuben change my opinion of Simon Davey? Of course not. If that was the intention then it certainly didn’t work.
As for Reuben’s trial at Old Trafford – again I can’t see what the fuss is about. It appears Man Utd made a formal approach and both the Club and his parents thought it was a good opportunity to aid his development. If he doesn’t join them permanently then he will have benefitted from the experience, and if he does go the Club will presumably receive adequate compensation.
I think Reuben has been the victim of circumstances at Oakwell. Had the Reds been in a comfortable mid-table position I imagine he would have been involved in the first team squad over recent weeks.
Finally, Mark commented on the ‘Davey Out’ campaign. There is no doubt that there are a minority of supporters who never wanted Davey and will not rest until he has departed Oakwell. Equally, there are a minority of fans who will always back the incumbent boss – irrespective of results and performances – because of their unquestioning support of the Club.
Between those two extremes sit the majority of us who crave stability and want Simon Davey to succeed but are increasingly questioning whether he is the right man to take the Club forward.
However, the Davey in/out/shake it all about debate isn’t helping anyone at the minute. The priority has to be Championship survival, and the only way we can do that is by pulling together and backing the gaffer till the end of the campaign.
It is a sad state of affairs when a Barnsley manager feels the need to take his players away from the town to prepare for matches because of all the negativity surrounding the Club. We all need to take a long hard look at ourselves – fans and media alike.
And before anyone suggests otherwise I have written this article without any influence from Don Rowing, Patrick Cryne, Simon Davey or Mark Stokes!
