Barnsley: Big job needs the right man, says Paul Heckingbottom

The Reds have been searching for a replacement since Linton Brown’s unexpected departure during last month’s transfer window.

Although Heckingbottom would prefer the situation to be sorted as quickly as possible, he does not want the powers that be to recruit the wrong individual.

The Reds have a number of key players out of contract in the summer, and a Chief Executive would be a pivotal cog in those negotiations.

“The most important thing for the club long term is we get the right person in,” admitted Heckingbottom.

“It’ll be ongoing because we’ve got to get the right person that’s what I’ve been saying to everyone. First and foremost it’s about the structure of the club and what we’ve already got in place.

“We’ve got some good people here with good skillsets so instead of just bringing a CEO in, we need identify a job specification first. That’s in terms of what qualities they possess and we’ll recruit on the back of that.

“Not having a Chief Executive does slow the process of contract talks with players, but it can still be done.

“The players know they’re wanted and it’s ongoing.

“From my point of view I’d love it to be done and dusted and out of the way.”

The Reds are in the middle of a good run, having lost just once in their last six league outings.

Heckingbottom’s charges host high-fliers Brighton and Hove Albion, who are fighting it out for top spot with Newcastle United, tomorrow.

The Seagulls have dropped crucial points in recent weeks, with just one win in their last four, and they will be looking to get back on track at Oakwell.

And Heckingbottom is eager to right some wrongs after going down 2-0 in the reverse fixture.

He added: “I though we were soft against them at their place. We didn’t make it difficult enough for them.

“We’ve got to be ready for them to have a really good day.

“They’ve got big players on the bench and that just shows the strength in depth they possess.

“This is their third season being up there and they’ll see this as their chance to get into the Premier League.”