MLADEN Sormaz says Barnsley will act swiftly to make changes they believe will reverse the decline in form over recent months and that some other League One clubs will be ‘massively affected’ by the changes to spending rules next season.
The form table since Barnsley beat Crawley on January 4 would have them in the relegation zone with 16 points from 20 games, while they have won six of their last 29 home league games and have conceded 88 goals in all competitions this season.
That has left some fans fearful of where they might finish in future seasons, but sporting director Sormaz is confident of a bright future under new head coach Conor Hourihane.
Sormaz told the Chronicle: “We have already started with the changes.
“We have identified those issues and we’re trying to get ahead of it. We’re making changes around the squad.
“Some of the issues for why we’ve conceded those goals are ones we’ve pinpointed and are looking to address.
“It’s worth also saying that last season didn’t finish well and then this season started quite well. Seasons tail off for a number of reasons, usually injuries and build-up of games.
“We’re starting with a new fresh season and Conor has a full pre-season and full squad assessment and, with good recruitment, we can be strong again at the start of next season.”
Barnsley are expected to move on a number of players in and out of contract this summer, with chairman Neerav Parekh previously saying they ‘absolutely have to’ sell.
This season has seen unprecedented spending in the third tier, particularly from Birmingham City who shelled out more than £30million – including a reported £15million for striker Jay Stansfield – on their way to the title and a points tally of more than 100.
From next season, there will be changes in the Salary Cap Management Protocols in League One, reducing the percentage of the equity club owners can invest on player-related expenditure such as transfers and wages.
Sormaz told the Chronicle: “Some clubs will be massively affected.
“I don’t think we’re one of them.
“That has been managed quite well, especially from the sustainability angle, over the last couple of years.
“The club has been sensible and I don’t see any problems there. If one or two players do go it gives us even more headroom.”
