Barnsley: Davies warns Heckingbottom what to expect as old boss slams Reds

Adam Davies expects former boss Paul Heckingbottom to receive a frosty reception from travelling Barnsley fans today.
Adam DaviesAdam Davies
Adam Davies

Heckingbottom jumped ship earlier this season and left his boyhood club for bitter rivals Leeds United.

The troubled Reds find themselves with just four games left to secure their Championship survival.

Paul Heckingbottom.Paul Heckingbottom.
Paul Heckingbottom.
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This afternoon, Davies and co face their first match against their ex-manager.

The Tykes shot-stopper is throwing his friendship with Hecky to one side.

“I hope the fans show him some respect because of what he achieved here, but I can’t see it,” admitted Davies. “I can’t blame them. He’s obviously gone to one of the biggest rivals in Yorkshire.

“Come Saturday, we’re not going to be pals. We’re going to be trying to get one over each other and that’s just the way it is.

Paul Heckingbottom.Paul Heckingbottom.
Paul Heckingbottom.
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“What’s happened is going to add an extra bit of spice to what is already a huge rivalry with the fans.

“Hecky was great with me. I’ve not got a bad word to say against him.”

Davies is one of only four players still in the dressing room from the time Barnsley won the Johnstone Paint Trophy and League One prpmotion under Heckingbottom in 2015/16.

Heckingbottom used his pre-match press conference to criticise Barnsley’s handling of his departure.

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The Reds’ statement used words such as “unexpected” and “thoroughly disappointed” when he left.

Heckingbottom hit back, saying: “I didn’t speak too much about it then and I’m not going to now.

“It was bang out of order, the things they said. They just wanted to save face, I suppose. It upset me.

“Usually I don’t pay attention to social media or what is written, but it affects your family in a negative way.”