The Barnsley board have set themselves a nine day deadline to appoint the club’s 35th manager and their 10th in 13 years.
The club hope to have somebody in place by the time the Npower Championship restarts on the 12th January, when The Reds tackle Yorkshire rivals Leeds United at Oakwell. Caretaker boss David Flitcroft will remain in charge for this weekend’s FA Cup Third Round tie against Burnley and he told local press today that if offered the job full-time he would be tempted to take it.
The 38 year old said:
“If the job is offered to me it would be a serious consideration, I’m a positive guy and I’ll always stay positive. The club are looking to appoint someone before the Leeds game.”
“If it’s not then it’s not and it’s not meant to be. Until I’m told otherwise I’ll keep working hard and doing what I’m doing.”
“I’ve been given the number one spot now, but whether it’s the number one or number two, I’ll work hard for Barnsley Football Club.”
“I’ve been taught well by my dad. He said whoever I’m employed by you just make sure you give them everything – and that’s what I’ve done from day one. I’ll continue to do that.”
There have been a host of names linked with the job, with current Brentford manager Uwe Rosler and former Doncaster and Nottingham Forest gaffer Sean O’Driscoll the favourites. Indeed some reports today have suggested that O’Driscoll has been at Oakwell to hold talks about the role.
The bookmakers however make current caretaker Flitcroft the favourite at 5/4 with O’Driscoll at 5/2 and then Gary Megson and former Reds captain Neil Redfearn at 6/1.