Ashley Barnes

[CaptJohn]

I personally didn't want Ash to leave in the first place but bringing him back is weird. It could be a stroke of genius designed to give the club and fans a much needed lift at the midpoint of the season. Hopefully if he plays we'll have either Flemming or Foster play off him in a 442, otherwise on his own he'll struggle to make an impact. Just don't expect miracles.

[123EasyasBFC]

Your busy answering everyone thats disagreeing with you that Barnes as a player is not a good signing. Its the boards cheap way of answering the fans call for a striker.

I didn’t say it was a good or not a good signing I just don’t see how signing Barnes suddenly makes our chances of promotion nosedive.

How does signing Barnes affect our current chances before signing him

[BabylonClaret]

I think he may start more than we think.

Finally a striker that could maybe allow Flemming to drop deeper.

Tbis

[Roosterbooster]

For me, he starts tomorrow.

He's played less than 180 minutes of football all season, for a team 11th in the league, with zero goal contributions. Why is he starting?

[Blyclaret]

I didn’t say it was a good or not a good signing I just don’t see how signing Barnes suddenly makes our chances of promotion nosedive.

How does signing Barnes affect our current chances before signing him

I agree with you it dosent affect our chances or make our promotion chances nosedive.

[CaptJohn]

He's played less than 180 minutes of football all season, for a team 11th in the league, with zero goal contributions. Why is he starting?

He won't be starting tomorrow for sure. Ideal on the bench to bring on if the team needs a lift from the fans around the 70th minute. Perfect for that role.

[123EasyasBFC]

I agree with you it dosent affect our chances or make our promotion chances nosedive.

That’s what I was asking, you can call the signing rubbish 8 or 9 times like you have done but it doesn’t make our chances of promotion any different

[Dark Cloud]

Everyone has pretty much agreed that over the first half of the season we've been brilliantly solid in defence, up there with the best in midfield, but lacking in the box when it comes to striking options and sticking the ball in the net. Everyone has also agreed that January would give us a chance to splash a bit of cash and seriously address that issue and maybe turn ourselves into a top two shoe in. January the 1st dawns and we all wait with baited breath. Now if Ash had been playing regularly and if he'd been scoring and assisting regularly, then maybe I'd see it differently, but he's as old as Jay, been injured for ages and barely played. I absolutely hope wholeheartedly that I'm wrong and that he turns out to be a brilliant and inspired signing, but I've got to be honest and say he's not quite the saviour I was expecting!

[Row x]

The point is signing Barnes doesn’t make our chances nosedive though. Are you suggesting before signing Barnes our chances of promotion were nosediving?

I didn't say the signing of Barnes made the chances nosedive. I said they would if he was our ONLY forward signing.

[claretspice]

If Barnes were to be our only incoming forward this month, I think I'd have pretty mixed feelings. He's an old man, hasn't played loads in the 18 months since he left and you wouldn't expect him to be starting lots of games.

However, there's no question we've missed an angular option to do the arm wrestling with defenders that creates space for others, and any more sought after signings are always likely to come towards the end of January. Before then we've got three enormous games so having an extra and different forward option can't hurt. Even if he's just giving us breathing space this month, therefore, for the relative cost of him that can't hurt.

[wilks_bfc]

For the people worrying about taking a squad place , you e got to remember that Hountondji wasn’t getting a sniff whilst Foster was unfit, Lyle is back now so this pretty much ends Hountondjis chances for now, so replace him on the bench with Barnes and we will at least have the experience to bring on from the bench as and when needed . Hountondji can then go out on loan and play some games . It was almost a certainty that he wouldn’t be used form the bench, this gives us another option now 100%

We’ve also had the complete waste of a squad place with a particular elusive Belguim

[Hedontplayforyou]

We’ve also had the complete waste of a squad place with a particular elusive Belguim

True and I suspect we will shop a few more out too. Not sure on the ages of the first two here but Sambo, Dodgson, Delcroix , possibly Ekdal and Tresor I expect to leave this window

[Blyclaret]

That’s what I was asking, you can call the signing rubbish 8 or 9 times like you have done but it doesn’t make our chances of promotion any different

I dident say it was rubbish. What i said was brilliant around the dressing room and motivation. But as a player i think its a poor signing.

[Conroy92]

It's amazing how out of touch with the modern game some posters are. I sometimes wonder if its age related.
But to spell it out. In some systems and some teams. Goals are equally shared around the team.
I know for a long period of time we have relied on a striker grabbing a good number of goals. But this is not a system that is asking for a 20 goal a season man.

His is a system that needs a striker who can link play, bring the wingers and attacking midfielders in.
Now currently none of our strikers appear to have the ability to play with there back to goal and provide the focal point up top.

We are also sat in the January window still in the championship. It was unlikely we would sign a player now good enough for the prem. So a short term deal was always going to be on the cards.

He's 35 yes. But along with that comes the experience of getting out of this division 3 times.

Then lastly. Of all things considered. He's a club legend.

I'll say it again. But people are only knocking him because he has been here before.

Apart from being 35 he ticks every box.

[Barry_Chuckle]

This oozes Pace thinking let's try get the fans onside, on the cheap, when I'm trying to entice season ticket renewals.
Love Barnes to bits, but let's be honest, he's barely kicked a ball for Norwich this season, so I doubt he'll fire a top end of the table team back to the BIG league.

[warksclaret]

I am not surprised by the mixed reaction. Be nice to later find out why he is exactly brought back-maybe like Jack Cork who I believe is doing a great job with the U21's, or maybe acting as a first team coach. He really understands the club and its culture. In terms of playing I can't see him as starting-we have Jay already as a 35 year old, whilst offering very little, Parker has shown a loyalty to him. Then you have Foster who I am surprised has had no more than 12 minutes in the last two games would be seriously demotivated if Barnes was suddenly up the pecking order. However having Barnes in the match day squad and in the dressing room could be a huge lift. Personally I think it would take Barnes half a dozen games to click-remember how long it took under VK and it would almost be desperation for him to be starting. I just hope it does not rule out a more orthadox No 9

[claretonthecoast1882]

This oozes Pace thinking let's try get the fans onside, on the cheap, when I'm trying to entice season ticket renewals.
Love Barnes to bits, but let's be honest, he's barely kicked a ball for Norwich this season, so I doubt he'll fire a top end of the table team back to the BIG league.

Yeah Pace is sat there with the club 2nd in the league thinking which free transfer can I get which will make those who aren't going to renew change their minds and agree to come back next season.

I imagine he has long accepted that those who are against anything he does or says will remain local club for local people for all the time he is here.

[Conroy92]

Everyone has pretty much agreed that over the first half of the season we've been brilliantly solid in defence, up there with the best in midfield, but lacking in the box when it comes to striking options and sticking the ball in the net. Everyone has also agreed that January would give us a chance to splash a bit of cash and seriously address that issue and maybe turn ourselves into a top two shoe in. January the 1st dawns and we all wait with baited breath. Now if Ash had been playing regularly and if he'd been scoring and assisting regularly, then maybe I'd see it differently, but he's as old as Jay, been injured for ages and barely played. I absolutely hope wholeheartedly that I'm wrong and that he turns out to be a brilliant and inspired signing, but I've got to be honest and say he's not quite the saviour I was expecting!

I'm sorry dark cloud but I have to be honest. Anyone who was expecting a 20 goal a season striker who would be good enough for next term in hopefully the league above were dreaming.
It's January, prices are over inflated and we are in the championship.
A short term deal till summer was the most viable and realistic option. I know some hoped for a young loanee up top with a view to buy it was unlikely.

That being said i am still expecting to add goals in the wide areas to this team.

[Row x]

It's amazing how out of touch with the modern game some posters are. I sometimes wonder if its age related.
But to spell it out. In some systems and some teams. Goals are equally shared around the team.
I know for a long period of time we have relied on a striker grabbing a good number of goals. But this is not a system that is asking for a 20 goal a season man.

His is a system that needs a striker who can link play, bring the wingers and attacking midfielders in.
Now currently none of our strikers appear to have the ability to play with there back to goal and provide the focal point up top.

We are also sat in the January window still in the championship. It was unlikely we would sign a player now good enough for the prem. So a short term deal was always going to be on the cards.

He's 35 yes. But along with that comes the experience of getting out of this division 3 times.

Then lastly. Of all things considered. He's a club legend.

I'll say it again. But people are only knocking him because he has been here before.

Apart from being 35 he ticks every box.

Ticks every box?

Recent fitness level?
Recent form?
Recent goalscoring?

Andy Peyton was at the game on Saturday, he's a club legend and good round the dressing room, probably cheaper as well, should have got him to sign

[Stonehouse]

Can’t contribute less than Tresor and the rest of the lame ducks.

[Colburn_Claret]

I'm still trying to work out what I think.
Always good to have Barnes back, but it doesn't feel like it would be a Scott Parker signing. That alone could cause problems.
Financially it will be dirt cheap, so can hardly be a waste of money.
On the positives I'm sure Ash will bring a positive to the training ground and the dressing room, just with his enthusiasm and humour alone.
I asked last week what kind of striker we needed, and I said we didn't need a target man, just because of our style of football. We needed a junkyard dog, who could pounce on scraps in the 6 yard box. Ash has more of that about him than any of our other striking options. Fingers crossed he can make a difference.

[KlyBfc]

It's amazing how out of touch with the modern game some posters are. I sometimes wonder if its age related.
But to spell it out. In some systems and some teams. Goals are equally shared around the team.
I know for a long period of time we have relied on a striker grabbing a good number of goals. But this is not a system that is asking for a 20 goal a season man.

His is a system that needs a striker who can link play, bring the wingers and attacking midfielders in.
Now currently none of our strikers appear to have the ability to play with there back to goal and provide the focal point up top.

We are also sat in the January window still in the championship. It was unlikely we would sign a player now good enough for the prem. So a short term deal was always going to be on the cards.

He's 35 yes. But along with that comes the experience of getting out of this division 3 times.

Then lastly. Of all things considered. He's a club legend.

I'll say it again. But people are only knocking him because he has been here before.

Apart from being 35 he ticks every box.

Except we already have Jay who has more career goals in less games and played most of them at a higher level. He also has the experience of promotions but also playing for England. I don’t understand the experience hes adding that Jay doesnt already. He might be a better people motivator/ team mate i suppose.

We are already carrying too many players, we needed to ship players out and add a little bit of genuine difference making quality at this level to turn those 0-0 at home around.

If Jay leaves and all the other squad fillers who aren’t contributing leave and we add a bit more quality then i would understand the signing, but at this moment in time i find it a very very strange signing.

[bobinho]

He's played less than 180 minutes of football all season, for a team 11th in the league, with zero goal contributions. Why is he starting?

I’m aware you didn’t ask me, but….

Jay. Slower than a week in jail, and if the last game v Stoke is anything to go by, lazier than a Mexican village. Absolutely spent.

Foster. Only just back to the bench. Short of match fitness. Well short.

Hountondji. Shown NOTHING in his brief appearances to suggest he brings anything to the table.

Fleming. Needs someone to play off. Nobody in our side can currently do that effectively. He works hard, but if brownhill isn’t around him, we hand over possession.

Do NOT underestimate the effect this sort of signing has on morale. Barnes has a strength of character no one else has. He’s liked and respected by everyone he played with, and he really gets what this means. He has a talisman aura about him and plays for us like he really wants to - especially against the fiddlers.

Would I rather we had brought in Ferguson? Yes, I would. But if all we had for sat was all we’ve got, I’d be very worried. But if the choice is go with what we have or bring in Barnes, I’m snapping your hand off.

[Dark Cloud]

I'm sorry dark cloud but I have to be honest. Anyone who was expecting a 20 goal a season striker who would be good enough for next term in hopefully the league above were dreaming.
It's January, prices are over inflated and we are in the championship.
A short term deal till summer was the most viable and realistic option. I know some hoped for a young loanee up top with a view to buy it was unlikely.

That being said i am still expecting to add goals in the wide areas to this team.

I wasn't really hoping/expecting a 20 goal a season striker fit and ready for the PL to be arriving (permanently) right now, but I was (still am) hoping for a loan signing along the lines of say (just for example) Ferguson from Brighton, or whatever, who needs game time, has something to prove to the parent club and is a potential talent.

[claretspice]

I wasn't really hoping/expecting a 20 goal a season striker fit and ready for the PL to be arriving (permanently) right now, but I was (still am) hoping for a loan signing along the lines of say (just for example) Ferguson from Brighton, or whatever, who needs game time, has something to prove to the parent club and is a potential talent.

Leaving aside whether Ferguson is realistic (I suspect not) the fact is that any signing of that sort of nature is going to be the sort of deal that is concluded late in January. They always are because clubs are waiting to see what their options are before committing.

In the meantime, we've got 3 absolutely massive games coming up and Barnes does give us something different for those games. If this gives us a bit of breathing space, I don't think it's a bad thing. I would imagine it frees up Hountondji to leave on loan.

[Conroy92]

Ticks every box?

Recent fitness level?
Recent form?
Recent goalscoring?

Andy Peyton was at the game on Saturday, he's a club legend and good round the dressing room, probably cheaper as well, should have got him to sign

Hook, line and sinker.

Fitness-pinch of salt he's been injured. Although at his age he'll take longer to recover and likely pick knocks up easier. Wont be playing 90 minutes every week anyway.

Form- you can't have much if your not playing can you so....

Goal scoring form- irrelevant. Did you read my post? Only the brain-dead think a 20 goal a striker fits in this side without losing something somewhere else. I mean. I was trying to be nice about it but come on.
I'll make it easy. We are not asking the strikers to score goals. We are asking them to hold it up and link the play.

And I will repeat. Barnes is more equipped than any of our other strikers at this game.

Tell me what boxes he doesn't tick for you.

Form and fitness. That it.

So you wanted an in form, fit striker, who can score 20 goals
, in January. So does everyone You wouldn't find one with 3 promotions under there belt or the other things Barnes offers either.

There needs to be some realism here.

People on this board have panned 3 different strikers this season and admitted they don't have the skill set to play the game asked of them. Rather than people realise we would bring in someone to fit the system people seemed to think we would sign a player who walked in up top and bagged 20 goals for the remainder of the season and would be premier league ready.

It's laughable.

[evensteadiereddie]

I'm not convinced but, for many of the very good reasons pointed out above, it can't do any harm at all.
At the very least, Barnes will give the side and the crowd a lift when, as on NYD, we need it. If he's as sharp and stroppy as he was, I'm looking forward to it.

[THEWELLERNUT70]

"Andy Peyton was at the game on Saturday, he's a club legend and good round the dressing room, probably cheaper as well, should have got him to sign"

It's great to see that the extreme and idiotic posts are alive and kicking. It's kind of comforting

[Dark Cloud]

I think we have to accept that this signing will completely divide the fans and opinion akin to the Muric/Trafford debate amongst several others. Ultimately, 50% of us will be eating humble pie at some point, depending on whether Ash does the business or not. I honestly hope I'm in that 50% because I really would love to be proved wrong on this.

[Row x]

Hook, line and sinker.

Fitness-pinch of salt he's been injured. Although at his age he'll take longer to recover and likely pick knocks up easier. Wont be playing 90 minutes every week anyway.

Form- you can't have much if your not playing can you so....

Goal scoring form- irrelevant. Did you read my post? Only the brain-dead think a 20 goal a striker fits in this side without losing something somewhere else. I mean. I was trying to be nice about it but come on.
I'll make it easy. We are not asking the strikers to score goals. We are asking them to hold it up and link the play.

And I will repeat. Barnes is more equipped than any of our other strikers at this game.

Tell me what boxes he doesn't tick for you.

Form and fitness. That it.

So you wanted an in form, fit striker, who can score 20 goals
, in January. So does everyone You wouldn't find one with 3 promotions under there belt or the other things Barnes offers either.

There needs to be some realism here.

People on this board have panned 3 different strikers this season and admitted they don't have the skill set to play the game asked of them. Rather than people realise we would bring in someone to fit the system people seemed to think we would sign a player who walked in up top and bagged 20 goals for the remainder of the season and would be premier league ready.

It's laughable.

Do you feel better for that rant

Point me in the direction where I said I wanted a 20 goal striker

In my opinion Barnes is not the answer to improve our goalscoring record for the reasons me and others have already pointed out

[Row x]

"Andy Peyton was at the game on Saturday, he's a club legend and good round the dressing room, probably cheaper as well, should have got him to sign"

It's great to see that the extreme and idiotic posts are alive and kicking. It's kind of comforting

It was sarcasm

[Socrates]

I’m unclear on what Barnes will offer on the pitch.

But having him around the training ground and dressing room generally will be a good thing. He’ll help set standards and he’ll hold others to account - I’m convinced he’ll get into a few players ribs and demand more of them.

[jrgbfc]

That's not true though is it. People like to quote his age as a negative but not many put 3x promotion winner next to it. Amazing that isn't it like it may fit an agenda.

I think it's more realistic that if he had not played for us before people would be welcoming a short term deal from a player with bags of experience and promotions at this level..

Can't agree with that at all. Pace would be getting called all the names under the sun. Where's all the money gone etc.

[jedi_master]

I’m unclear on what Barnes will offer on the pitch.

But having him around the training ground and dressing room generally will be a good thing. He’ll help set standards and he’ll hold others to account - I’m convinced he’ll get into a few players ribs and demand more of them.

Totally agree

[123EasyasBFC]

I didn't say the signing of Barnes made the chances nosedive. I said they would if he was our ONLY forward signing.

Even if he is the only forward signing our chances don’t nosedive anymore then without any signings at all

[kentonclaret]

If bringing back Ashley Barnes was the answer to our lack of goals being scored why has it taken the club to think of this relatively cheap and easy option first? I cannot recall a clamour from posters on the January Transfer Window thread for the return of Ashley? I suppose that is why Parker gets paid the big bucks and is able to see the bigger picture tactically.

[CrosspoolClarets]

I think we have to accept that this signing will completely divide the fans and opinion akin to the Muric/Trafford debate amongst several others. Ultimately, 50% of us will be eating humble pie at some point, depending on whether Ash does the business or not. I honestly hope I'm in that 50% because I really would love to be proved wrong on this.

The thing is, with seven 0-0 draws it only takes a single goal for the signing to be a good thing, our needs are quite low. We have lots of scrambles around the box with this team when the wingers and midfielders run into traffic. Barnes will help with that chaos. Even if he gets injured again his leadership behind the scenes will be an asset.

[AlargeClaret]

He’s clearly been brought in as “4th choice” /someone who could come on late win free kicks etc .He’s cost nothing and is probs on a pay per play type deal .
With Jay Rod finished and Foster unreliable /unfit/injury prone /hopeless /leaving ( take your pick ) it’s a pretty basic “ covering bases” signing .

[THEWELLERNUT70]

It was sarcasm

And a really really poor attempt at executing it

[Jacko]

I love Ashley, but we should be in the market for a dynamic #9 who can score a dozen goals in the second half of the season.

Of course, we still could be, but I suspect that's not what the owners are looking to do.

[Walt]

Can't agree with that at all. Pace would be getting called all the names under the sun. Where's all the money gone etc.

We dont have any money.

[Luppy]

His first job should be to go and have a chat with Magic Mike,,,,,,,, explain a few things about being a claret

[fidelcastro]

I did. You said he wasn't up to that standard.

Nope. Try again.

[Turftalkers mentor]

All the so called experts on here make me smile .
Yes Barney’s is 35
Yes his minutes at Norwich have been limited .
He’s a signing until the end of the season
Graham Alexander
Tommy Hutchinson
Keith Newton
None of them in the flush of youth .
He’s a proper Claret
He will unsettle defenders when on the pitch leaving space for others to take chances hopefully

[Colburn_Claret]

If bringing back Ashley Barnes was the answer to our lack of goals being scored why has it taken the club to think of this relatively cheap and easy option first? I cannot recall a clamour from posters on the January Transfer Window thread for the return of Ashley? I suppose that is why Parker gets paid the big bucks and is able to see the bigger picture tactically.

Only the answer to our lack of goals isn't a new striker, it's our style of play that creates next to nothing that is the problem.

We are feeding off scraps, and we need a goal poacher willing to put himself about in the 6 yard box. It sounds like Barnes is just what we need. A younger version of Barnes would be better, but at least Ash knows the club and understands the fans.

[Goalposts]

I remember from the mission series VK said that Ashley was the one player who was able to pop in and out of player camps the young and the old and that all players respected and liked him. I think this move is also about where Ashley wants to be when he retires from playing.

Be interesting to see where he fits in Parker’s mind, not sure he starts any games and if you want to get the best out of him you need play 442

[Jakubclaret]

I think we have to accept that this signing will completely divide the fans and opinion akin to the Muric/Trafford debate amongst several others. Ultimately, 50% of us will be eating humble pie at some point, depending on whether Ash does the business or not. I honestly hope I'm in that 50% because I really would love to be proved wrong on this.

You are completely right regarding the divisions of opinion & when thing go belly up no humble pie will be ate more like 50% developing amnesia & back tracking like there's no tomorrow. Always happens guaranteed.

[willsclarets]

Funny one Barnes. Rightly a legend, but quite honestly he was moaned about as much as praised on here. Criticisms like "Just falls over trying to buy fouls" Or "Gives away fouls constantly" were very common.

He was deemed to be good (a nuisance) when we we were winning, and useless when we weren't. At 35 I'm pretty underwhelmed by his return, our dressing room seems to be fine in terms of mentality. Not sure why some would expect any more from him than Jay, who has been constantly criticised.

But if Parker sees value in him being around then I'm sure there is.

[NL Claret]

Read the word galvanised a few times and comments about the dressing room too.

This would indicate that there are issues with the fan base and dressing room which in real light don’t exist. We are still 2nd in the league and it’s not been a fluke in getting there.

Still not sure about re-signing Barnes.

[Stonehouse]

I love Ashley, but we should be in the market for a dynamic #9 who can score a dozen goals in the second half of the season.

Of course, we still could be, but I suspect that's not what the owners are looking to do.

I don’t think Harry Kane would score many for us playing in our system however I noticed against Stoke that Trafford was hitting head high balls to Flemming when he came on ,we all know what Ashley’s like at winning free kicks further up the field and I think he will give us an option instead of permanently playing a dozen passes sideways and backwards in our own half,and if he scores 4 goals until the end of the season it’ll be one more than all the others apart from Brownhill.