symyjym
Banned
For what it is worth I have traditionally been a 'Barnes Hater' and would not have been disappointed had he left the club over the summer. Whilst he has always had an excellent positional sense and tracks back very well to support the rest of the team, his first touch has been suspect, his temprament has been awful (both through the Burnley and Tripgate sendings off and his desire to throw himself to the floor and moan at the referee at least 4 times a game) and his finishing has not been as good as other strikers at this level.
I have noticed a difference since he returned from Tripgate and have to admit that the 30 mins he played yesterday was the best I have seen him for the Albion. This was not just about his volley (which was very good) and the run he made for the chance that was saved but for his general attitude which I thought was much better. The best example of this (and the point that finally made me think he could convince people like me that we were wrong) was an incident where the ball was played up to him which he laid off before getting clattered from behind. Sensing there was a decent break on he pulled himself up, put in a 20 yard burst and took the ball forward to instigate another attack.
I am convinced that the Barnes of this time last season would not have done this and would have rolled around the floor for a bit. Whether this is due to him growing up after Tripgate or if it is Oscar Garcia not putting up with the theatricals that Gus not only put up with but also demonstarted himself on the touchlime every game is to be guessed at.
Either way, credit where it is due and 6 goals over the next 3 games please Ashley!
But that's the trouble though, fans writing players off as the finished article at the start of their career. Barnes is only just 23, has heaps of experience and is still learning his trade. Where was Murray at 23?
With resgards to tripgate, I found that funny and it still makes me chuckle now. It was hardly a Suarez bite, Barton punch up or a Diouf vitriolic spit.
I am pretty confident that Barnes will be thought of as a BHAFC legend in years to come and will be remembered fondly in the BHAFC Hall of Fame.