Barnsley v Crewe: Johnson is favourite as Burton lays claim

Caretaker manager Mark Burton expects a reaction from his players today as they look to get their season back on track at Oakwell.
Oldham Athletic manager Lee Johnson is the bookies' favourite for the Barnsley job.Oldham Athletic manager Lee Johnson is the bookies' favourite for the Barnsley job.
Oldham Athletic manager Lee Johnson is the bookies' favourite for the Barnsley job.

The managerless Reds began life after Danny Wilson last Saturday with a humbling 5-1 defeat at struggling Crawley Town.

Such was the manner of the defeat, Barnsley offered to pay for the tickets of the supporters who made the long trip south.

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They return to Oakwell today looking to rediscover the form that saw them unbeaten through five games on home soil, prior to the dismal 2-1 defeat to Fleetwood Town that precipitated the end of Wilson’s reign.

Burton, whose chances of landing the job on a permanent basis were harmed by last week’s performance, said: “We are all hurting after what happened last week and it is down to the players to lift the fans.

“If you saw the first 40 minutes at Crawley we were excellent but we collapsed after that.

“We could make six or seven changes but it’s about coming up with a formula and who is up for the fight.”

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On his current position, the head of academy coaching, said: “I’ve loved every minute of being in charge here. I’m privileged to be in this position and I will do my utmost to get the best from the players.”

Meanwhile, the club are remaining tight-lipped on their search for a new manager, only admitting that they are looking at people in work, as well as out of it.

Oldham’s Lee Johnson is the bookies’ favourite for the job while it is understood that the Reds have had a request to speak to Swindon manager Mark Cooper turned down by the Robins.

Former Sheffield Wednesday manager Brian Laws, ex-Brentford and Wigan boss Uwe Rosler and former Barnsley player Craig Hignett are all thought to be interested in the post.