Neill Collins has been sacked as Barnsley head coach with one game remaining in the League One season, and Martin Devaney appointed caretaker coach as the reds panic over the possibility of dropping out of the play-offs.
The Reds had taken nine points from their previous 11 games, with the gap between them and the teams outside the play-off places shrinking from ten points to one and there being a very real danger that the reds could miss out.
They will qualify for the play-offs if they win at home to Northampton Town on Saturday, with a draw or loss potentially enough depending on other results but those scenarios could also lead to them missing out.
A club statement read: “Collins was appointed last summer and despite several positive spells throughout the season, recent results have left the board of directors feeling that a change is needed.”
Director of Football Mladen Sormaz added: “Neill has been extremely professional throughout the period with which I have worked with him, he has done everything he can do push the team in the direction we all want Barnsley to go. He has conducted himself with professionalism and commitment throughout the period I have worked with him. However, with a crucial season conclusion ahead of us, we feel that now is the right time to make a change. We thank the fans for their continued support and urge you all to back the team this Saturday against Northampton. We will update supporters in the coming days”.
The vast majority of reds fans are delighted with this decision but many also feel that Collins has been hard done to in terms of poor transfer windows. The style of play as well as recent results was a big factor. I’m hoping that the reds actually have someone lined up to come straight in but knowing us it will be Devaney with the task.
Duff, Hecky, Warnock all available, just go for it.
