Barnsley v Preston North End: Martin Devaney keen to end the hurting for Reds

That arrived following the Reds’ limp midweek loss to Blackpool when the hosts looked every inch to be a demoralised, newly-relegated side routinely playing out time for the rest of the season.

That should be read as no slight against Devaney, whose passion for Barnsley shines through whenever you speak to him or are in his company.

At the end of a long, hard season, that intensity has waned from some in the first-team squad with the side that takes the field on the first day of next season in League One likely to be very different to the line-up today.

In the Reds’ final home match of the campaign, the atmosphere is likely to be provided by the visiting Preston fans, who celebrate the club’s annual ‘Gentry Day’ in person today for the first time since 2019.

Changes are likely in the home line-up this afternoon, with Devaney toying with promoting some younger players.

He said: “Because there is not any pressure, it might be the right time to play a couple of the younger players. But we will have to wait and see when the team is named.”

Admitting to have had little sleep in the aftermath of Tuesday’s poor result and performance in his first match at the helm, he added: “You can say that again. With Sunday and after the game (on Tuesday), you are full of emotions and because of my history, I want it to go so well and it didn’t go the way I wanted.

“I will be honest, I didn’t sleep after the game as I wanted it to be so much better. One, because I am taking the team and they did not perform how I wanted them to and secondly, because I am a fan and it is so disappointing to see where we are.

“They (fans) are hurting and everybody is hurting and it is so disappointing, but I’m sure the club will do their utmost to make sure things are better next year.

“I will try my best to pick the younger players up who are there to just keep going for these last two games. It is a difficult situation, but I know it will aid me in my career moving forward.

“It is challenging, but I enjoy being a competitor. That’s why I do what I do and it has all been an education. I am going to enjoy this experience.

“I kind of enjoyed leading the team out the other night, but I did not enjoy the rest of it. But I have got to look forward to the next two games.”