Shepherd and Patrick Cryne given a standing ovation at Supporters meeting
Last updated : 12 January 2005 By Footy Mad
NEW Reds chairman Gordon Shepherd and owner Patrick Cryne were given a standing ovation at a Barnsley Supporters Club meeting last night.
Over 300 fans turned out to listen to the pair who took part in a question and answer session which lasted over two hours at Ardsley House Hotel.
Reporters were not invited to the event but supporters' club chairman Paul Woodhall said: "It was a very positive meeting, the feeling was that the club is in safe hands and being run by Barnsley supporters.
"They appealed to everyone to back the club, their vision is for the club to be the focal point of the community."
Control of Barnsley changed hands over Christmas as former chairman Peter Ridsdale left.
Woodhall added: "Gordon Shepherd made it clear that they had to take over when they did, the club was leaking finance and it could have gone into administration again."
Cryne handed over £1m.
"They are appealing for local businesses to support the club and they want gates of over 10,000," Woodhall continued. "They are thinking of a share issue and eventually putting the club into a trust.
"As far as Paul Hart was concerned, his job is secure but like any other manager his position depends on results and position in the league.
"They will discuss Barnsley's academy over the coming weeks but there is concern about the amount has been costing the club."
Interestingly, Cryne also mentioned some money could be made available to bring players in if the play-offs were still a possibility.
