The record-breaking Lincoln City League One title win has been held up by Barnsley chief executive Jon Flatman as the example his club are trying to follow.
Flatman, speaking to the Barnsley Chronicle, said The Imps had shown what could be achieved through disciplined spending, clear recruitment and focus across an organisation.
Barnsley are preparing for another season in League One after finishing in progressively lower EFL positions across each of the last five campaigns. The Reds have also faced supporter unrest, with protests against the ownership group taking place during the season.
By contrast, we won the League One title this year despite operating with what was described as a moderate budget (17th), and Flatman said City’s success provided a relevant comparison as Barnsley look to rebuild.
Flatman Praises Lincoln Model
Flatman said Barnsley now had a clearer focus on recruitment, alongside off-field targets aimed at increasing revenue and allowing the club to spend within SCMP rules.
“You’ve seen a great example of what a disciplined organisation can achieve in terms of Lincoln.
“It’s very close. That was a disciplined and controlled spend in the right places with a focus and an aim.”
He added that Barnsley had “a real opportunity now to have a go”, with effort, enthusiasm and passion among the qualities he wants to see return at Oakwell. However, when asked whether Barnsley were up for sale, Flatman said he could not comment directly, but said the owners wanted what was best for the club, which is a level of instability that will disrupt, rather than help them be like us.
“I can’t really comment on that but I can say that the owners genuinely want what’s best for the club,” he said.
“If there are people out there who decide that Barnsley Football Club’s the club for them, then I’m sure those conversations will be entertained.”
Owners Remain Committed
Flatman also insisted Barnsley’s owners remain “completely committed” to the club, despite clear frustration from sections of the Oakwell support. That anger has been visible at times, most notably when up to 100 tennis balls were thrown onto the pitch during the game against Exeter City in March, while chants aimed at the ownership group have also been heard on a regular basis. Flatman said supporters had every right to protest, but argued that any protest also needed to be set against the question of what the alternative solution would be.
The financial picture was also central to his comments, with Flatman making it clear that Barnsley cannot continue recording annual losses that rise from “two million” through to “seven million pounds”. The January sale of Davis Keillor-Dunn, the FA Cup tie at Liverpool, and the windfall from former captain Liam Kitching reaching the Premier League with Coventry City have all helped reduce those losses to what he described as a more manageable level, giving the club a stronger basis from which to budget and remain competitive in League One.
You must be logged in to post a comment.