In their recent EFL Trophy victory over Grimsby Town at Oakwell, Barnsley’s players were the focus of NEILL COLLINS’ constant attention.
The Reds’ head coach isn’t going to start apologizing either for that.
Barnsley won 2-0 for the third time in a row across all competitions, and as they begin a promising six-match stretch that includes five home games, they have a lot to be excited about.
That did not stop Collins from yelling orders at the Mariners nonstop once he saw aspects of the hosts’ play that he did not like.
He continued by explaining that his authority was also on display for another reason.
“At times, we have a young squad and may not have people who would be described as classic leaders (squad) that drive people on,” added Collins, whose team will resume play on Saturday at home against Burton Albion in League One. “Therefore, I believe I must do it occasionally.
“However, there are so many things to be happy about, and they recognize that it comes from the right place.”
“I just think every time we come out, I want to get the best out of the players and want to win and not take anything for granted.”
With the transfer window now closed, Collins is happy to know what he has got to work with and is looking forward to some strong levels of competition for first-team places, which was not necessarily the case in pre-season.
Sam Cosgrove and John McAtee have added to the mix up front and supplement the presence of Devante Cole and Max Watters and there is also likely to be an intense and intriguing jockeying for position in the middle of the park as well in particular, going forward. At wing-back as well.
It might just provide Collins with some headaches heading into autumn.
But they are ones which will be welcome ones.
That was a significant problem coming out of preseason, he continued.
“The team was choosing its own members, and there were no really difficult discussions.
The better options we have, the more of them we should have, and I believe we do now.