Barnsley interim boss unsure about future ahead of play-offs

Martin Devaney was unsure about his future after Barnsley set up a play-off rematch against Wanderers.

Devaney took charge of the 1-1 draw against Northampton on Saturday as the Tykes secured a sixth-place finish in League One. Neill Collins’ had been sacked several days prior following a poor run of results.

The Yorkshire club looked set to finish in fifth place and face Peterborough after Herbie Kane’s opener, but Louis Appere’s equaliser for the visitors in the sixth minute of stoppage time.

“I don’t know what is happening. I am just going to enjoy today," he told Barnsley Chronicle after the final whistle.

"I don’t know if I will be in charge for the play-offs, I haven’t been told anything. I am sure we will know what we are doing by Monday.”

Devaney was relieved to secure a top-six finish, with Lincoln and Blackpool losing against Portsmouth and Reading on the final day.

“That was our objective throughout the season, to get in the play-offs. Obviously, I wanted three points and am really disappointed with the way we conceded at the end,” said the interim boss.

“That has happened a lot this season, too much, and we have to stop it. I felt like we did enough and warranted the three points, especially with the chances we had.”

He added: “I thought the press was really good in the first half. Herbie’s goal was really good and then second half, we had a chance to make it two with (John McAtee).

“It was going to be a tight game, Northampton did what I thought they would do. They came with a professional attitude trying to win it.

“Ultimately, disappointed with the set-piece but the point is enough for us. It is fantastic for everyone at this football club for everyone who works so hard day in, day out.”

Former Bolton midfielder Luca Connell returned from injury, playing the full 90 minutes in the middle of the pitch.

“Luca was really good,” Devaney continued. “In the middle of the park, he was aggressive, he won a lot of challenges and second balls, he played forward.

“We have spoken a lot about leaders and I think there were 11 leaders today. Jordan (Williams) was fantastic, Luca was fantastic, everyone was. We are just feeling it with that set-piece because we really wanted three points.”