Friday 20th March, 2009last year, mid-March
I’ll miss Barry
Barry Conlon has left Bradford City for Grimsby Town – seemingly the fall out of the discipline problems he and Matthew Clarke have had – and probably will not be back and I for one will miss him.
Of course Conlon was not the most talented player who has every pulled on a City shirt but few so obviously battled for the cause as Barry did. The list of players who – had they been able to put the effort in that Conlon did – would have been much better players than they were. Lee Sharpe, Michael Standing, Ashley Ward and on and on.
Barry gave it all and while that was not much what it did was give an example to the likes of Omar Daley that it was that level of effort – and no less – that would be allowable. I see Daley’s change in performances from slacker against Leyton Orient to committed winger this season as very much a lesson of the likes of Conlon.
That Barry had little to give – that Barry on his best day was only ever going to be as good as some players strolling through the game – arguably made that effort more admirable.
I could never understand the criticism of Barry. I reserve my disdain for the likes of Lee Sharpe who could have given more rather than the Conlons who gave all he could.
He carved out his career at City by giving all he could until – one supposes – the disciplinary problems which would seem to have brought about the end of his City career.
A Conlon that does not do give all he can is never going to be worth a place in the side and if Stuart McCall is of the belief that he will not be getting that 100% Barry then he is right to move the player on to Blundell Park.
All of which creates a tragedy of sorts. A man who has to struggle, has to give his all, to achieve what others find easier and slips from that, and is moved on for that slip but leaves a lasting legacy that for Bradford City, and for Stuart McCall.
One must give his all and if he does he will be backed to the hilt. Fall from standard and you are cast down far from grace and glory, or to Grimsby.
I can’t say I will miss Barry too much. He had his moments but he won’t be remembered for being a good player.
Effort is good but the fact that I would put everything into playing for Bradford City doesn’t mean that I should be in the squad.
I wish him well at Grimsby and wherever he may go after that but he won’t be in the Bradford history books in a few years.
Yes, I’d agree with that – the funny thing is that surely it should be taken for granted that every player who pulls on a professional shirt each saturday should be ‘giving their all’!?
I would agree though, that many don’t.
However, overall I can’t say I will miss him all that much in terms of wishing the best results for our team. I don’t think our results with him in the side have been particularly good. I too would wish him well though, as I think he’s a decent fella.
McCall has moved swiftly and snapped up Paul Mullin, a player I have seen a lot of over the last couple of months thanks to £4 student entry into the Frazer Eagle coupled with nothing better to do on a Tuesday night. He was impressive against City at home and I must confess I wondered why our ‘target man’ was not able to use his abilities in such an effective manner. Hopefully we now have an arsenal capable of winning our ‘8-game mini league’….
Com’on City!
I think there are plenty of games where he has not put in the mythical 100% effort. I am grateful for what he has done for us and there are plenty of worse players that have played for us but I am not sad to see him go.
Is this confirmed? Nothing on City website. Conlon is pictured in a Grimsby shirt on their website but it says Newell hopes to confirm, doesnt say it is confirmed.
Any truth in the Abbott rumour?
Will I miss Barry – Yes, Should he have gone – YES. If as it was alleged he had been on the booze the night before a crucial game then I think it is right he is sacked / asked to leave. The club needs players to be on the top of their game. If you have been drinking the night before, then there is no way you will ever be fully fit to play a 90 min game of football.
I hope he does ok at Grimsby – It is a shame but in my book he only has himself to blame.
Well I wish all the best to Barry. I go every week with my 9 year old son, who for whatever reason, idolises Barry (and is his favourite player) so he will be devastated when I tell him tonight!
This is on the BBC Website: Striker Pawel Abbott (back) is three weeks from a return
Farewell Supersub Conlon – but not really a 90 minute player in our team – Hello Mullin – much more of an orthodox targetman well used to getting stuck in and leading the line – good deal for me.
Simply no excuse for a proffesional footballer to be out drinking the night before a big game. The club is right to let him go as obviously he has no regard for the manager, his team mates, the club or the fans… such a shame as I thought he added something to the team.
Not the best finisher but his ability to bring a ball down and involve others was very good for a big lad. Lets hope he is a success at Grimsby as they play a few of the teams around us. He might help our promotion push from there…must be something with the kids as my 6 year old son also idolised him!!!
I am sorry to see Barry go. We were all desperate for him to do well for City. He always gave 100% and I will miss those Bar-eee chants. It looks as though the Barry hats will go the same way as the Willy Topp t shirts. He should have had the goal of the season when he hit the post against Shrewsbury
Lets hope Mullin has the commitment of Bazza and can finish the chances.
Yep the kids! My 2 lads are gutted, he was a character, an oddball, kids pick up on that stuff, we had a “normal” CF on Satdi and they are not impressed……….at all.
The Abbott rumour would seem to be groundless but should Clarke follow Conlon out of the door then there will be a wage to spend at the club (providing it is not offset against Bower’s being away) and it could go towards another forward.