The fat lady sang at the Riverside confirming that Barnsley FC will return to League One for the first time since 2005/06. And despite a stay of eight seasons in the Championship it seems as though she's been clearing her throat behind the curtain throughout.
Since Andy Ritchie led the Reds to the Champiuonship on that memorable occasion at the Millenium Stadium on 27 May 2006, a succession of managers including Simon Davey, Mark Robins, Keith Hill, David Flitcroft and even Danny Wilson have reinforced that we're simply not good enough and were perhaps over-achieving to be gracing the second tier.
More is the pity; there are probably a sizeable number of younger supporters now who have never experienced a time when their beloved local team were challenging at a superior level.
What happens next is anyone's guess. But any actions, statements and activity on the club's part must have one pivotal outcome - to restore pride in the badge and the sense of privilege that player's should have in representing the town, our people and our dreams.
By all accounts we have first class facilities - envied by many, a host of talent in our Academy, experienced coaching staff and will have a very competitive budget in League One next season - where average attendances are roughly 8,000 (a figure which was inflated by Wolverhampton Wanderers' whopping average of nearly 21,000 per game). There should be no more excuses.
Personally, I'm looking forward to next year's adventure. Games with Bradford City, Doncaster Rovers, Rotherham United and Sheffield United will mean there's far more than points at stake and should make for a cracking atmosphere both home and away. As I write this post - maybe York City could sneak a visit in too? With Chesterfield, Rochdale, Scunthorpe United and Oldham within an hours travelling time, the Reds on the Road could be quite a spectacle.
Regardless of which division we're in, it's vital that we regain that winning feeling again.
Thanks for following the blog this season and your continued support and feedback on Twitter. What are your aspirations for next season and beyond? We would love to hear your opinion on the changes that you feel are needed to ensure success for Barnsley FC next season. Get in touch with us on Twitter or Facebook, or leave your comments on this post.
Thanks for following the blog this season and your continued support and feedback on Twitter. What are your aspirations for next season and beyond? We would love to hear your opinion on the changes that you feel are needed to ensure success for Barnsley FC next season. Get in touch with us on Twitter or Facebook, or leave your comments on this post.