Barnsley: Reds ready to parade silverware

Barnsley Town Hall will host the club’s players and staff as they show off the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy on the balcony from 6pm.

Over 25,000 Reds fans were at Wembley to witness Sunday’s spectacle, and caretaker boss Paul Heckingbottom, a lifelong supporter of the club, is delighted to be able to give something back.

“The support and atmosphere at Wembley on Sunday was absolutely incredible,” he reflected. “It was a proud moment for everyone associated with Barnsley and I’m sure that fans will be out in force again on Thursday.

“At one point when we went 3-1 up I was looking round at the fans and I didn’t know whether to jump in with them and celebrate or carry on doing my job on the sideline!

“We’re proud and delighted to bring the trophy back to Barnsley and look forward to celebrating with fans at the heart of the town centre.”

Heckingbottom has been nominated for the League One Manager of the Month award after guiding his side to four wins in six games during March.

The Reds are just outside the play-offs with seven games to go, and Barnsley Chief Executive Ben Mansford admits the pressure is piling on for Heckingbottom to get the manager’s role on a permanent basis after doing a stellar job since taking over from Lee Johnson.

“Those knocks on my door are going get considerably louder,” smiled Mansford. “Paul knows how much Patrick [Cryne, Barnsley owner] and I think of him.

“He knows what the plan was and I’m truly delighted he can enjoy this special moment. I hope he savours every minute. We believed in what we had in place and under Paul we’ve gone onwards and upwards.”

Click here for the latest news from Oakwell