THE inquests on fans' forums have started, everyone's got their favourites to replace David Flitcroft, but where did it all go wrong?
Pre-season was full of optimism. There was a feel-good factor in the camp and for the first time in years there was a real sense that the tide had turned.
Dale Jennings, who had dazzled at Tranmere Rovers before moving to Bayern Munich, came in and was all set to continue that after a disappointing spell with the German giants' second team.
He seemed reinvigorated, hungry and determined to get back to regular, first-team football.
The 20-year-old was sent off in the 4-0 loss to Wigan on the opening day of the season and made just five appearances for the Reds, before moving to MK Dons on loan.
Lewin Nyatanga, John Cofie, Jean-Yves M'Voto, Marcus Pedersen, Paddy McCourt, Peter Ramage, Jack Butland, David Fox and recent loan signing Marcus Tudgay have all been brought in, but the Reds have never really gained momentum in their stuttering campaign.
Since the South Yorkshire club won promotion to the Championship in 2006, they have failed to make an impact, failing to finish higher than 17th in the table.
As a result the likes of Mark Robins, Simon Davey and Andy Ritchie have all lost their jobs. Keith Hill was appointed in May 2011 but was unable to improve the club's standing as they ended up finishing 21st, one place above the relegation zone.
Last season's miraculous survival will live long in the memory of every Barnsley fan, spearheaded by 39-year-old David Flitcroft, who took over from hapless Hill after a successful spell as caretaker manager.
However, after the heroics of the 2012/13 campaign, Barnsley have won only three times in 18 league games.
The 3-0 home loss at the hands of fellow strugglers Birmingham City was one too many for the Oakwell board and Flitcroft was sacked later in the evening.
That defeat left Barnsley at the bottom of the table. It's their worst start to a season since 1973.
Saturday was meant to be a celebration. In his 68 years at Barnsley, Norman Rimmington has done virtually every job at the club.
Norman started as a player, but since then has done virtually every job. He has been a first-team coach, trainer, groundsman, physiotherapist, kitman and he now works in the laundry.
Oakwell celebrated his 90th birthday at the weekend, and the BBC’s Football League Show joined them, with a touching tribute.
Have football’s two contrasting faces ever been so perfectly juxtaposed? Hours after popping into the laundry room to swap lighthearted tales for the cameras, Flicker had been sacked.
With the likes of Michael Appleton, Neil Redfearn and Danny Wilson all being touted to be Flitcroft's replacement, who would you like to see in charge next? More importantly, is survival possible? Would you give Micky Mellon a chance after the Brighton win? Have your say below.
