The Return of The Manager
By Dom Gill
Who clearly has a balanced view and no attachment to the manager of which this post is about......
The year was 2015. Barnsley FC, a club steeped in history, was languishing in Divisiāo 3, a far cry from its top-tier, cup winning past. That's when, a young manager with a burning ambition, walked in. He saw potential where others saw despair. He knew a complete overhaul was necessary and he was ready to to provide the spark to make it happen. This is his story.
The first masterstroke was the audacious acquisition of legends. Alessandro Del Piero, the graceful striker, who donned his first red red shirt since his senior debut at Padova 26 years previously, he helped ignite the fans' imagination. Another early addition was Roberto Carlos, the free-kick maestro, who brought experience and a winning mentality. The signings were met with surprise and a touch of skepticism, but this fresh new manager knew what he was doing. These weren't just players; they were mentors, inspiring a generation of youngsters.
One such youngster was a scrawny teenager named Trent Alexander-Arnold. This manager saw the spark, the nascent genius of his right foot. Under Del Piero's tutelage, Trent blossomed, his deliveries becoming weapons of mass destruction. The club, revitalized on and off the pitch, became a force to be reckoned with.
Financially, he was a magician. The manager was able to think outside the box, taking control from the ailing chairman and maximizing endorsement deals as well as utilising the legends' star power to generate revenue. Barnsley, once on the brink of financial ruin, became a model of fiscal responsibility.
The climb was arduous but exhilarating. Promotion after promotion defying expectations. Finally, 5 seasons later, Barnsley were back in the promised land – Divisiāo 1. The fairy tale script wasn't even half written though.
The team was crafted masterfully and renowned for its defensive solidity. With Del Piero now the assistant manager helping to orchestrate attacking tactics and Roberto Carlos, now a coach, marshalling the defensive tactics and training the free kick takers. Barnsley's home ground, Oakwell, became a fortress. The big clubs trembled at the prospect of traveling there to face the inevitability of a tiring hard fought game. Most of the time the tactics were a masterclass in defensive organization, frustrating attackers to the point of tears. Shots added up into double figures but the more shots the opposition had the less likely they would walk away with a win. The moniker of being Barnsleyed still live to this day, coined under the iron wall of players and tactics intertwined by the managers genius. Eventually Europe beckoned, and Barnsley, under this manager's leadership, finished an astonishing 5th, carving their name in football history.
But success, as they say, is a double-edged sword. Everton came knocking. Their trophy-laden manager stepped down, and Barnsley's manager with his name, now writ large in footballing folklore, was the obvious choice. It was an offer that could not be refused. With that he left Barnsley with a heavy heart, a promise of a return lingering in the air.
Everton was a success story with an unexpected reunion for Tren Alexande-Arnold. New trophies adorning the cabinet, but something was not right for this experienced manager, it just wasn't the same. The yearning for raw passion of the fans, the underdog spirit of players not expected to win. Everton became a bad decision realised by a lack of excitement. A real challenge was needed. With his mind set he stepped down.
Gillingham became the new canvas. The club stuck in Divisiāo 4, offered a familiar challenge. With a renewed feeling for life and unwavering determination, a promise to repeat the Barnsley magic was a possibility, which eventually came true, again leading a club into Divisiāo 1.
Now, as the Barnsley manager position opens up, fate seems to be whispering this manager's name once more. Messages flooding into his inbox – Del Piero, ageless and enthusiastic, Roberto Carlos, boasting his support, even the young guns like Gabriel Martinelli, Takefuso Kubo, Sam Grenwood and Harvey Elliot, all eager to reunite with the manager that had faith in them when he brought them into Barnsley originally. Even Mason Mount, a testament to the talent-spotting prowess, sent in well wishes.
This is his chance at redemption. To rewrite the ending with Barnsley to correct a mistake that should never have been made. This time, he will not walk away. A new dynasty will be built, a new goal for European success is promised and a new team to strike the old fears into the hearts of giants. The return of the prodigal manager.
The story, as they say never stopped, but it feels like a new beginning is about to dawn.
The manager in question, none other than Frank Castle.