Hammill’s rallying call for Barnsley

The Reds are bottom of League One but a confidence-boosting run to the Johnstone’s Paint Northern Area final and some improved league performances have brought some welcome belief.

“The lads are talented, but we need to show that now,” stressed Hammill ahead of today’s clash at fellow strugglers Colchester.

“You can’t just keep talking, we need to put in the performances and show people.

“We need to concentrate and get out of this predicament.

“We can take the positives from recent performances. We’ve shown resilience and if we can build on this we can push our way up the table.

“Since I’ve been here we’ve had a lot of good performances, but the results have been a bit indifferent.

“Sometimes you need that bit of luck – and we’ve not had it.

“I’ve set four chances and we’ve either hit the bar or the post.

“I’ve also hit the post two or three times, so it’s those things which need to run for us.”

And Hammill aims to continue to let his own football do the talking having signed a new deal to keep him at the club until the end of season.

“I’ve got affection for the fans here and they’ve got affection for me,” added the former Liverpool midfielder.

“It’s nice for the fans to see a passionate player – and that’s what I am.

“The manager [Lee Johnson] has given me the confidence to go and perform, he’s been tremendous. He’s getting the best out of me again.

“I’m thriving on the responsibility he has given me.”