Manager: Robbie Ryan
Club: Bari FC
SEASON 2016-2017 - MAY
Bari found themselves in a bit of a rut in an unfortunate part of the season. Losing 6-0 to rivals Latina completely knocked the stuffing out of the team and returned to the Stadio San Nicola only 3 days later to play
Virtus Entella. The side was freshened up slightly and had the surprise of bringing back Monachello to replace to rested Toni. he justified his selection with a goal but unfortunately it was a mere consolation in a
2-1 defeat as the dark clouds continued to hang over Puglia.
It wouldn't get much easier for Ryan in their next match against fellow playoff contenders
Hellas Verona the first half was very tentative with not many shots on goal but the second half exploded with action with
i galletti first going behind, then pulling 2 goals back to take the lead via Martinho and Fedele on a rare appearance for the latter. Pazzini levelled for
Gialloblu with a fine finish but that didn't stop the big man Luca Toni charging forward to win a penalty soon after which Basha fired into the top corner. Complete heartbreak followed in the final minute with Pazzini completing a hat-trick to level the match
3-3. There was clear mental anguish amongst the squad and again Bari only managed a
1-1 draw away at
Ternana to leave Robbie Ryan needing a miracle to gain the final Serie B play-off spot.
Before that final game against
SPAL 2013 Ryan gathered the national sporting media to an event simply to say thanks to the fans, players and staff of Bari for the best season of his career. He promised no matter what happens with the play-offs the team will play their hearts out against
Spallini and give them something they can cheer about. The players responded with appreciation off and on the pitch where Ragusa and Martinho made it 2 very early on. The boss also brought on the retiring Brienza for his final ever professional appearance and the 5'5" striker stuck away a diving header at the far post to give a true beautiful football moment.
3-0 was the final score but the news coming from both Frosnione and Salernitana was that it was all in vain. Bari doomed to finish 9th just outside the play-off places.
The manager said he would take the next few weeks to reflect on the season, noting the massive improvement in 2017. It'll be touch and go whether Ryan stays on as manager of Bari after setting his expectations clear at the start of the season, the club president also showed uncharacteristic patience after a terrible first few months. We will have to wait until after Toni and Brienza's testimonial against the Old Boys to find out what will happen for next season.
Player Of The Month: Antonino Ragusa - Two goals and some fiery performances in an otherwise tough month
Goal Of The Month: Franco Brienza vs SPAL - lovely back post diving header
Results
Bari 1-2 Virtus Entella - Goal: Monachello, MoM: Sabelli
Hellas Verona 3-3 Bari - Goals: Martinho, Fedele, Basha, MoM: Martinho
Ternana 1-1 Bari Goal: Ragusa, MoM: Ragusa
Bari 3-0 SPAL 2013 - Goals: Ragusa, Martinho, Brienza. MoM: Ragusa