Barnsley boss Conor Hourihane on why experimenting can wait as Rotherham United rival Lee Clark lets rip
CONOR Hourihane has stressed he will not indulge in Tinkerman tactics until Barnsley are mathematically safe from relegation.
A derby win at the NYS should prove enough to secure the Reds' divisional status – but Hourihane wants to be doubly sure.
Hourihane, whose side visit Port Vale on Tuesday, said: "I really want to make it mathematically impossible before we start doing anything in terms of experimenting and all the rest of it.
"Can we go to Port Vale and get another win? Ultimately, if we do that, I think it will be done. Until it's really mathematically done, then I think it's important for everyone to get the job done first."
Opposite number Lee Clark says there will be 'consequences' for Rotherham United players after a disgraceful second half.
Clark said: "There has to be consequences. People might be saying: 'The new manager bounce hasn't happened, he's not the answer.' Whatever they want to say, that's okay.
"I'm giving everything. Me and my staff have given these players enough information, worked enough with them on the training ground.
"Lots of these players are out of contract. If they think that they'll just move on to pastures new and get a contract elsewhere, they might be in for a shock. It's getting harder to earn contracts now with the financial difficulties some clubs have."
The Millers boss again revealed his dismay at the number of soft-tissue injuries that players have picked up this season.
He added: "Impact injuries - break your leg, do your ligaments, get a bad dead leg in a tackle - you've got to accept them. It's a contact sport. But the soft-tissue injuries, no, no, no.."