Barnsley boss Conor Hourihane's player admission plus what Mael de Gevigney said about his future

Many players fall into the trap of going through the motions in such scenarios, a charge that could be levelled at some of those wearing Barnsley jerseys, judging by Easter Monday's very poor 3-0 home reverse to Plymouth Argyle.

The lame loss extended the Reds' winless sequence to six matches, with seven more to navigate between now and May 2.

Barring a complete implosion, Barnsley should at least be safe for another season. Even so, they are on course for their lowest league finish since 2002-03, as it stands.

Two derbies are coming up over the next two Saturdays, starting with a trip to Rotherham United and followed by next weekend's home game with Bradford City.

These matches should hopefully take care of themselves at least, with Reds’ players certainly owing their supporters a performance or two after their dismal recent home showing against Doncaster Rovers.

There are plenty of other incentives as well, with head coach Conor Hourihane wise to the notion that players will also be playing for themselves.

Whether that is triggering contract extensions at Oakwell or showing themselves in the best light to potential suitors in the summer.

Hourihane said: "That's the 'career' of every football club, ultimately.

"I know you want to play for the team and you want to play for the club, but ultimately you're playing for yourself, deep down.

"And whether you're at Barnsley or Bristol Rovers or Stevenage, ultimately you should have a fire in you every single day that wants to get to the next level. And after, you get to the next level and then there's the next level.

"And it's continuous. And when you get to the top level, there are a lot of levels from that as well, because you go from bottom of the Premier League to the top to try and win the Premier League. So, there are constant levels.

"I know you're buying into the team and you're buying into the club and all the rest of it, but it's a very short career and you always want to improve. And if you do get sold on, that's to the benefit of everyone;, club, manager and yourself as its your own career.

"And Barnsley have been like that over the years and every single club will have evidence of players being in the same boat as well."

One player whose commitment levels can never be doubted is defender Mael de Gevigney.

The Frenchman's future is up in the air with Barnsley having an option to extend his deal by another year. His current contract ends in June.

Asked about his future, De Gevigney said: "I am not playing for myself, I am just trying to do the best for the team every day and we will see what happens in the future.

"I don't really have any thoughts. It's not really my decision. I will just focus on doing my best every day."