Loyal fans keeping Barnsley afloat despite Oakwell troubles

Just ask chief executive officer Dane Murphy.

On the pitch, the Reds have endured a disappointing start to the new league season compounded by the fact that their quest to bring in a couple of new attacking players has hit a brick wall.

Fresh speculation regarding the future of head coach Gerhard Struber is something the club needed like a hole in the head.

Away from it, Barnsley are coping with the financial fall-out of no fans probably being allowed into grounds until next year.

There is also an ongoing dispute between the club’s majority shareholders, BFC Investment Company and the Cryne family – who own 20 per cent of the club – after the minority shareholders said they were forced into legal action for payment of £2.75m as a ‘last resort’ after failing to receive monies owed after the sale of the club in late 2017.

If that is not enough, the club are embroiled in a row over the purchase of Oakwell and have spoken with other clubs about a potential move away if the situation is not resolved satisfactorily.

To the outsider, it would suggest the club is lurching towards crisis – just nine weeks on from those unforgettable scenes when the Reds triumphed at Brentford in the most dramatic end to a Championship season that you could ever imagine.

On reports that the club could potentially relocate, Murphy told The Yorkshire Post: “Things are always blown out of proportion when they are leaked online or to the media. Some things are true and others are completely false.

“What I can say is that it is obvious – and confirmed on both sides – that there is a dispute between the majority and minority shareholders over the land and we are trying to find a means to an end, so all parties remain whole (satisfied).

“That includes the town of Barnsley (Barnsley Council) who own 50 per cent of the land. The sooner we all have a resolution, the better for everyone involved.

“I cannot go into any details, but there have been discussions with other clubs and stadium owners about Barnsley and they have called our ownership and have had discussions.

“The main crux of the issue is that because a land deal has not been struck and they (majority shareholders) don’t own the land, the yearly rent and the maintenance costs continue to pile up and it is what they see as a hindrance to the growth of the club.

“It is significant enough that it draws down on our capabilities.”

In fiscally-challenging times, Barnsley’s revenue streams have been hit and if it was not for the outstanding backing of supporters purchasing season tickets, the club would be in a much worse situation, according to Murphy.

But the spectre of games continuing to be played in front of empty stadiums for the majority of 2020-21 represents a living nightmare for Barnsley and countless other clubs.

On the phased return of fans having been paused, Murphy said: “It was another body blow. But I have to tip my hat to my staff who are continuing to forge forward with plans for getting our fans back in and making sure that when the day falls, then there is no hesitation on our part and we can get fans back in straightaway.

“It has been a focal point of our drive this season. The fans have shown us a loyalty and appreciation that very few clubs have and we have to repay them.

“I would say we are in a better position than we were in June and July, thanks to our support, community and town for really backing us and buying season tickets in a way we thought was never imaginable.

“Thankfully, the club is in a decent position right now and we want to invest in our squad. Some projections are saying there will be no fans until March, but I think that is a bit heavy. I am no expert, but am hoping fans will be back before that.

“But you always have to plan and have a contingency for the worst-case scenario and we have plans in place. Has it affected our budgets? Yes, it has affected everyone’s.

“But we are in a place where if we can make the correct decisions, then the club will not be in any financial peril.

“I cannot put an exact figure on it (Barnsley losses). I need my CFO in the room to do so and I kind of even don’t want to know at this point. But at some point, if this continues to drag on, it will become a serious issue for not just our club, but the sport as a whole. That is the greatest concern.”

On what football must do to provide solutions to its greatest crisis, Murphy believes that a collaborative approach is key.

He sai: “It cannot fall on any one body – the Government or EFL board. It has to be by working together. If not, I fear for the sport as a whole.

“It has to be in the minds of the EFL, Government and Premier League and from what I understand, there is plenty of dialogue to see what kind of financial measures can be taken to make sure the pyramid survives.”

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Thank you, James Mitchinson. Editor.