THE BARNSLEY Supporters’ Trust have accused the club’s owners of treating fans with ‘a high level of disrespect’ and launched a survey of supporters to gauge opinions.
There is a survey on the trust website (https://bfcst.co.uk) covering how fans feel about the owners, the matchday experience, key factors in this season’s relegation, season ticket prices and other issues.
The trust also published a series of questions, some related to co-owner Paul Conway’s stint as acting chief executive last which is widely considered to be a key factor in the Reds finishing last in the Championship this season.
A statement on the trust website this week read: “As a paid director of Barnsley Football Club, and as someone who has taken a salary as acting CEO, why does Paul Conway refuse to speak to supporters?
“Given that supporters have backed the club in it’s hour of need during a pandemic, financially, why are the supporters being treated with such a high level of disrespect and disregard after one of the worst seasons in our history?
“Especially as that season started with Paul Conway as CEO. We deserve much, much better.
“If Paul Conway continues to refuse to engage with the supporter base, how do those at the club plan to build bridges with supporters that are choosing to walk away after a lifetime of unwavering support?”
The statement also called the appointments of head coaches Markus Schopp and Poya Asbaghi ‘an abject failure’.
It added: “Based on the 20/21 accounts, and with a revenue shortfall next year of between £6m and £8m due to relegation, how precarious is the future of Barnsley Football Club?
“What risks are there, and what strategy is being worked on, to ensure we’re competitive in the 2022/23 season?”
The trust also called for an apology or explanation for the season, which was confirmed two weeks ago.
The trust have met with chief executive Khaled El-Ahmad with the results of the meeting due to be shared at their AGM on May 17.
The statement added: “This is part of a continuous effort to work in the best interests of supporters, with actions in the last three months including meetings with Dan Jarvis, the local media, Tracy Crouch MP in regards to the Fan-Led Review, and seeking reassurances and clarity from the Football Supporters’ Association and the EFL around the future of our football club – in terms of finances, ownership challenges, and continuing to play our home games at Oakwell.”
To participate in the survey, you must have a trust membership, which is free.
