BARNSLEY’S excellent recent record at home to Leeds United will count for nothing this afternoon, caretaker boss David Flitcroft has claimed.
The managerless Reds, sitting at the bottom of the Championship, have beaten their West Yorkshire rivals in the last three meetings at Oakwell, including a comprehensive 4-1 victory on New Year’s Eve in 2011.
Although Neil Warnock’s side are just two points shy of the play-offs, Leeds have recorded just three wins on their travels and lost the last three on the road.
“What we have done in the past will have no bearing on this game,” Flitcroft told The Star. “The players have to stand up and be counted.
“It is a local derby and the fans will want to see commitment, quality and desire. We are working on a strategy to try and get the three points off a team who like to come and attack you.
“I’m sure Neil [Warnock] will make sure they come out all guns blazing. We know their strengths and weaknesses so we will look to come up with a plan to nullify them.”
Flitcroft remains in charge of first-team affairs after the club failed to lure Sean O’Driscoll or Terry Butcher to Oakwell. Micky Mellon and Martin Scott continue to ably assist Keith Hill’s former assistant.
“Both of them have helped me massively,” he admitted. “They are two people who have great knowledge and experience in the game.
“They have been two fresh pairs of eyes. You have to listen to them.
“They see and pick up on different things. I want to improve as a coach. You can only do that by being flexible and adaptable.”
Scott Wiseman is likely to sit out today’s clash with eighth-placed Leeds after his proposed move to Blackpool collapsed earlier this week. Flitcroft says the defender may not be “mentally right” to be named in the 18-man match-day squad.
“Scott will be respected, looked after and supported like every other player would be here,” he added.
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