Barnsley have asked former Fleetwood Town manager Micky Mellon to assist caretaker David Flitcroft for today’s massive relegation six pointer at Peterborough United.
The 40 year old was harshly fired by Fleetwood at the start of December after four years in charge in which time he had led the Cod men into the Football League for the first time in their history last season when they won the Blue Square Bet Premier.
The decision to fire the former Bristol City, Blackpool and Burnley player was even more bizaare as Fleetwood were in the League Two Play-Off places at the time.
Mellon has been asked by the Oakwell club’s board to assist Flitcroft in his first foray into front line management, and if The Reds secure a much needed three points at London Road today, it could put the pair at the front of the queue for the permanent role.
Reds Chief Director Don Rowing has claimed the club have received in the region of 30 applications for the job since the sacking of Keith Hill on Saturday but one man heavily backed to be in the frame has ruled himself out. Brentford’s Uwe Rosler had been linked to the role, especially within the London region after leading the Bees into the League One Play-Off Places- it is 20 years since they last graced the second tier of English football- but the former Manchester City and Southampton striker has told his local press it is just pure speculation.
He said: “I don't like to comment on speculation, but I can assure our fans that there has been no approach to the club or me.
“I am focused on the game against Bournemouth and helping us achieve our goals for the rest of the season.”
Meanwhile the Reds could be set to lose top scorer Craig Davies this month after Rowing admitted that the 26 year old who has hit 19 goals in 52 appearances for The Reds has turned down a new two year deal at Oakwell.