I think Hayes and McCann were the most unjustly designated as whipping boys. Wasn’t Sean McAuley also an earlier example? I think Musselwhite also had a difficult period before he moved on to Port Vale.
I have nothing against Barrows. In many ways, he seems like a model pro and sounds like a thoroughly decent human being. I wouldn’t question his commitment and effort. It’s rarely a player’s fault if they are not up to the job, so not personal.
Good point bpg. I don’t recall many if any whipping boys in the early to mid 80s. It’s more of a modern football thing I think. I’ll add Grant McCann to that list and Rory McArdle. Plenty more I’m sure.
