The bizarre situation surrounding Mark Robins continued employment at Barnsley Football Club shows no signs of ending, after the club failed to release a statement today explaining the situation.
It was widely reported yesterday that Robins had seen his contract at Oakwell terminated after falling out with the board over transfer and wage budgets for next season. But apparently that is not the case although it is highly unlikely the 41 year old will be in charge for the 2011-2012 season.
The current story is that Robins attended two board meetings with the club this week, but neither meeting included owner Patrick Cryne who is currently recovering in hospital. In these meetings it is believed Robins asked for more money so the club could build on its highest league position in nine years, but the board would rather the club gave youth more of a chance after seeing Reuben Noble-Lazarus, Jordan Clarke and Danny Rose make an impression in the final weeks of 2010-2011. Robins is already fuming that he received none of the £500,000 the club received from Wolves for Adam Hammill in January and this is coupled with the revelation that the club are set to lose £750,000 in television revenue for next season. Throughout the season Robins continually stated his desire to take the club away from perennial relegation battles.
Cryne today told the Sheffield Star:
“No-one has terminated Mark’s contract. I’ve been in hospital all week but as far as I’m concerned he’s still the manager. I’m more than happy for Mark to stay.”
As the days go by this seems increasingly unlikely.