CARETAKER boss David Flitcroft is thrilled to have the backing of the Barnsley squad - but now he wants results, starting at home to Leeds United tomorrow.
Goalkeeper Luke Steele has revealed he “would love” Flitcroft to be given the Reds job on a permanent basis. Other members of Barnsley’s first-team set-up have also said publicly they enjoy working with Flitcroft.
“It tells me the players are right behind what we are trying to do here,” Flitcroft told The Star. “We can’t change what has happened in the past. We can only change today and tomorrow.
“It is brilliant to hear that support from the lads but I am not going to pick the next manager. I do feel the players need to know what’s going on. There is a lot of uncertainty right now.
“We are just trying to focus on the job in hand.”
Since Keith Hill was shown the door last month, Flitcroft has been in caretaker control, with the help of former Fleetwood boss Micky Mellon and Martin Scott. He has overseen a narrow defeat at Peterborough United and an FA Cup triumph over Burnley.
However, Flitcroft said his goodbyes to the Barnsley squad on Tuesday as Hill’s former assistant expected Terry Butcher to take over the reins. But like Sean O’Driscoll, Butcher turned down the approach, opting to stay at Inverness.
Flitcroft admits he was “surprised” to take training yesterday. He says he would “definitely” be interested in staying in charge until the end of the 2012/13 season if he was offered the role.
He said: “I am enjoying working with the players and happy to get on with the job. Myself, Martin and Andy are putting everything we can into winning games. This is a challenge; I didn’t expect to lead the team against Peterborough and Burnley. You have to grasp these opportunities with both hands.”
When asked whether the managerial situation has affected the players, Flitcroft replied: “Looking at the last two performances and the last 10 training sessions that we have been involved in, I would say it has not. The performances have been excellent and we got a great result against Burnley.
“Do I know whether it will affect them this Saturday? No, because I haven’t got a crystal ball. But there is going to be no uncertainty when it comes to 3pm. The players know what we want and expect from them.”
Jacob Mellis (dead leg) is pressing for a first-team recall.
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