Barnsley sack head coach with one match remaining after five-game winless run

Barnsley have sacked Head Coach Neill Collins following a five-game winless run, despite the Tykes currently on course to finish in the play-offs.

Collins, who arrived from Florida last summer, has taken Barnsley to fifth in League One with just one match remaining, on track to match last year's play-off finish.

However, the style of play and recent run of results had turned many supporters against the former Wolves defender.

A win for Barnsley over Northampton Town, under caretaker manager Martin Devaney, will secure a top-six spot.

Director of Football Mladen Sormaz said, “Neill has been extremely professional throughout the period with which I have worked with him, he has done everything he can do to push the team in the direction we all want Barnsley to go. He has conducted himself with professionalism and commitment throughout the period I have worked with him. However, with a crucial season conclusion ahead of us, we feel that now is the right time to make a change. We thank the fans for their continued support and urge you all to back the team this Saturday against Northampton. We will update supporters in the coming days."

Reading twice lead, and were twice pegged back, by Barnsley two weeks ago in a 2-2 draw at Oakwell.