Barnsley have rebuffed figures reported regarding their finances next season after claims that the Tykes will be cutting their budget over the summer.
A report from Alan Nixon over the weekend claimed that the Oakwell club will make ‘big spending cuts’ to their finances to around £3.5 million, which would be one of the lowest amongst all League One clubs in the next year.
CEO Refutes Claims
The news comes after Barnsley boss Conor Hourihane came out and said the club will not compete at the top of the third tier next season following their loss to Doncaster Rovers earlier this month, leading to a fresh wave of discontent from the fanbase at the current operation of the club.
The Irish boss told BBC Radio Sheffield:
“We were very clear as a club at the start of the season, that just isn’t there anymore financially. As much as people are disappointed, and say we are unrecognisable and all the rest of it, I completely understand it.
“But there needs to be a mindset now of we aren’t pushing for top six. And it will be the same next year, by the way. We need to understand that, get our heads around it, and accept where we are.”
However, the South Yorkshire side have since rebuffed the claims made in Nixon’s article in a fresh statement issued to their club website, with CEO Jon Flatman addressing those reports.
“The figures quoted are simply incorrect. However, we do need to work smarter and ensure that every element of the budget is used effectively.
“We cannot continue to depend indefinitely on owner investment from Neerav (Parekh) and the Cryne family, and in order to remain competitive, we must ensure our costs are controlled and we are working with all partners and fans to maximise opportunities.
“This focus on sustainable operations reflects the wider reality of football finances, and we are not alone in responding to it. Across the EFL, League One clubs are now reporting average annual losses of £6.6 million, up from £2.2 million just four years ago.
“Importantly, reducing losses not only protects the Club’s sustainability – it also strengthens our position when engaging with potential new investors or strategic partners. Smaller, controlled losses make Barnsley FC a more attractive and viable proposition to those who may wish to support the Club’s long-term ambitions. Financial discipline today creates opportunities that are simply not accessible when operating at high levels of annual loss.”
Will Fanbase Accept Explanation?
With reports over the weekend giving the biggest hint yet that Barnsley are tightening their finances going forward, the club have now been forced into publishing a statement addressing their plans.
Barnsley have now confirmed that they will be restricting their financial power in the summer transfer window, and given previous comments from Conor Hourihane, it seems that the club will target younger prospects in trying to turn them into big sales, as they have done previously with Davis Keillor-Dunn, Mads Andersen and Liam Kitching over the past few years.
However, there is a need to strike a fine balance between developing stars for the future and keeping some experience in their ranks, especially up front, with David McGoldrick’s long-term future still in the air after an individually impressive campaign.
Nevertheless, the words in the statement and the admission that the club will be cutting back their outgoings will do little to temper a fanbase that is increasingly frustrated with the lack of investment from its owners.
Whether their plans for the future can deliver on the pitch remains to be seen, but this latest update is confirmation that for at least the short-term and until new investment arrives, Barnsley will not rock the boat and push for a real shot at promotion to the Championship.
