Martin Devaney, the temporary head coach of Barnsley, has acknowledged that he is unsure if he will guide the Reds into the League One playoffs.
Devaney took over as interim manager for the second time this week after Neill Collins was fired earlier. He was assigned to manage the last regular season game, which was a home match against Northampton Town.
Barnsley was held to a 1-1 tie by a late Cobblers equalizer, but thanks to other divisional results, they were able to earn a play-off position. In the semi-finals, the Reds will now play Bolton Wanderers over two legs.
Speaking following the match, Devaney expressed his reluctance to anticipate the semi-final matchups because of his unclear future. Devaney responded, “I don’t know whether I’ll be here so let’s just concentrate on today,” when questioned about the possibility of playing Bolton. Enjoy tonight, give things some time to settle, and by Monday, I’m confident we’ll know where we’re heading.
While he continued to be reticent about the open Oakwell head coach position, the forty-three-year-old was far more willing about the chance to serve as temporary head coach.
“I love this football club, it’s a great feeling,” he remarked. Both the club and I have been wonderful to each other, I think. The significance of the game, the chance it presents on Monday, and the importance of qualifying for the playoffs to everybody involved.
“In the end, the supporters want to make it to the playoffs. I’ve succeeded in delivering it. Okay, I’ve had a little luck elsewhere, but you have to work for it.
