Neill Collins taken by surprise as Barnsley FC sack head coach ahead of critical League One fixture - with play-off fates at stake

The Reds parted company with Collins on Monday afternoon, with the Scot understood to have been taken completely by surprise after being informed of the move.

There is not word yet regarding the future of his assistant Jon Stead, who came to the club with him last summer.

Martin Devaney will take interim charge as the Oakwell outfit are now searching for their 11th permanent head coach/manager in just over eight years..Collins has paid the price for the club’s poor run of late-season form.

The Reds, who were automatic promotion candidates in League One at the start of the spring, have won just twice in their past 11 matches and taken just nine points to put their play-off place in jeopardy ahead of Saturday’s game against Northampton Town at Oakwell.

Collins had been criticised by supporters in recent times and was booed after Saturday’s 3-2 loss at Blackpool, the Reds’ fourth successive league reverse.

More pertinently, the club’s very disappointing recent results sequence was resonating in the boardroom, with the weekend defeat at Bloomfield Road proving the final straw.

The move to sack Collins, 44, represents the first major decision taken on club matters by director of football Mladen Sormaz and chief executive officer Jon Flatman, who were appointed in their respective roles earlier this year.

A statement read: “Barnsley can confirm the departure of head coach Neill Collins.

"Collins was appointed last summer and despite several positive spells throughout the season, recent results have left the board of directors feeling that a change is needed."

Director of football Mladen Sormaz commented: “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.

"We would like to thank Neill for his efforts during his time at the club.”

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Victory at the weekend will confirm a play-off place, although a draw or even a loss could see Barnsley finish in the top six with it being dependent on the results of Lincoln City, Oxford United and Blackpool.

Collins' successor faces having to build a new-look side, with several leading players seeing their deals expire in the summer, with Devante Cole, Jordan Williams, Herbie Kane and Nicky Cadden being tipped to leave Oakwell.Key loanees John McAtee and Liam Roberts will also see their commitments end at Barnsley.