MARTIN Devaney has told the Barnsley players ‘don’t worry about the noise’ after the search for a new head coach took more twists and turns this week.
The Reds sacked Neill Collins on Monday of last week, with one league game remaining, and the team fifth but on a run of two wins in 11 matches. Devaney took over the team on an interim basis last week and is due to take charge of Friday's play-off first leg against Bolton Wanderers.
It is likely that he will have the job for all of the play-off campaign but there is a search for the permanent head coach continuing in the background.
Barnsley are understood to have hoped to immediately bring in Austrian Dominik Thalhammer as Collins’ replacement early last week but the move fell through due to a work permit issue.
Asked if that has affected the players, Devaney told the Chronice: “Each individual is different. Everyone is on social media. They might read things or they might not. Some won’t care. They are just concentrating on themselves.
“If I was a player, I would be just concentrating on what I can do to help the team in in the play-offs. They are professional footballers. Just concentrate, don’t worry about the noise.”
Asked if he had been told more about the future, Devaney said: “I am just concentrating on tomorrow night.
“At the moment, that’s what I know and what I am planning on.
“There has been clear communication from the board to myself. I know what our objective is. It’s the game tomorrow and our full concentration is on it.”
Mike Williamson – whose MK Dons team are currently in the League Two play-offs – has also been linked with the role. So had Richie Wellens but he signed a new deal with Leyton Orient this week.
Devaney, the former player and long-serving coach, oversaw the final league match at home to Northampton Town supported by Jon Stead – Collins’ former assistant – and under 21s coach Tom Harban. The game finished 1-1 and Barnsley slipped down to sixth, finishing in the play-offs because Lincoln City and Blackpool failed to win.
Devaney played in play-off finals and an FA Cup semi-final.
How will tonight’s match rank in terms of importance in his career?
“It’s very different from playing. I am responsible for a squad of players now.
“I have worked the last ten years doing my coaching and getting qualifications. I am going to enjoy it.
“It’s not about me, at all. I have been asked to do a job to help the club and team. I have been doing that. I will enjoy the game but I want to win it.”
He added: “These moments don’t come around very often. It’s been hard work but I have enjoyed it. There’s noise and pressure but you have got to enjoy it.
“I will relish walking the side out.”
