Is the managerial merry go round happening again at Barnsley?

It started out with just rumours, the usual Twitter ones from accounts that claim to be “in the know” but now we have trusted journalists from South Yorkshire confirming the news no Barnsley fan wants to read. The interest from Championship side Swansea City is real and Michael Duff is one of several managers on the Welsh clubs radar to replace the outgoing Russell Martin who is moving onto Southampton.

Whilst it is still early days with Duff very much an employee of Barnsley Football Club (for now) this could be a long summer for fans waiting to see if Duff will be in the home dugout come the start of the new season.

There is a long way to go even if Duff leaves. He is yet to be interviewed for the Swansea job. There may be another outstanding candidate in the process ahead of Duff and he may not even be offered the role. The alarming thing for Barnsley supporters is IF Duff does move on this summer, the last manager to be in post for 2 consecutive seasons was Simon Davey back in 2009!

Stability not instability

Stability is what has been in short supply but much needed at Oakwell in recent times yet we are fed on instability. The short term mentality of the board always looking to make a quick buck on players or managers will always fail to yield long term results. Whilst there have been some poor managerial appointments over the years, chopping and changing the manager even when a good one comes along has to stop. Is it any wonder Barnsley have become a yo-yo team flirting between the Championship and League One over recent years?

There is no doubt Swansea will have the financial clout to easily settle any compensation for Duff. The attraction of moving nearer to his family will also appeal. The chance to take a club into the Premier League is also a huge draw for an ambitious man like Duff. This is truly a huge test of the Barnsley board.

Will they, like in previous times roll over and take the cash without putting up a fight? Supporters are tired of the merry go round where managers and the better players are moved on and often for a pittance. Just as the team started to get some momentum and the relationship started to heal again between fans and the club, here comes another bump in the road which may turn many fans off going again.

Like I have already said, there’s a long way to go before we know for definite whether Duff will be staying at Barnsley or not. This test could well define next season and the board’s reputation with the fanbase. A loyal fanbase who is sick and tired of seeing the crown jewels being sold off at the first opportunity. How are Barnsley going to return to the Championship and stay there if you change a manager every season?