Barnsley Caretaker Manager Andy Ritchie believes the club has a promising future and could gain promotion next season.
Speaking to the Professional Footballers Association Official Site he said:
Q
HOW ARE YOU ENJOYING YOUR ROLE AS CARETAKER MANAGER?
A It has gone really well so far. The players have responded to everything I have asked them to do and we have improved our form over the last couple of months, although last week's 5-0 defeat against Port Vale was a very disappointing result.
Q IS IT A CASE OF WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN THIS SEASON?
A Yes possibly, we've had to put up with a lot of illness and injuries this season and that hasn't helped our cause. Our main problem has been that we have drawn 18 matches and if we had managed to have won just three or four of those games we would have been pushing for a play-off spot. We went on a 13-game unbeaten run recently, but eight of those were draws, and that's why we are in the position we are in the table.
Q WOULD YOU BE INTERESTED IN THE JOB ON A FULL-TIME BASIS?
A I would like the job permanently, because I am really enjoying it, but we will just have to wait and see what the board decides to do. The board has said they will appoint a new manager at the end of the season and hopefully I am in contention for the post.
Q AFTER ALL THE TURMOIL OF THE LAST 18 MONTHS, HOW IMPORTANT IS IT THAT THE CLUB NOW HAS A PERIOD OF STABILITY?
A It is very important. We have not long come out of administration and things are now looking more stable financially. We've consolidated our position in this league, but we will all be looking to next season with a view to making a promotion challenge.
Q WHAT IS THE CURRENT STATE OF THE FINANCES AT THE CLUB?
A Things are looking much brighter than they were a year ago, but there is still some way to go. There isn't a Jack Walker or a Roman Abramovich in our division so it's difficult, but we are making progress. You only have to look at the facilities at the club to realise how much potential there is and I am confident that we are moving in the right direction.
Q WHAT ARE THE PROPECTS OF THE CLUB KEEPING ON-LOAN STRIKER MICHAEL CHOPRA FOR NEXT SEASON?
A Unfortunately I think he looks likely to head back to Newcastle at the end of the season. He's got 18 goals so far and has been a real star plus for us. He has an infectious personality around the place and on the field he is a livewire who never gives defenders a minutes rest. I think he has a big future in the game and hopefully there is a chance he will be here next year.
Q WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS AHEAD OF SATURDAY'S GAME AGAINST COLCHESTER?
A It's our last home game of the season and the players will want to put on a good show for the supporters. Last week's defeat at Port Vale was a big blip and the only way to put that behind us is to get a result on Saturday. I'm looking for us to end the season on a positive note.