Barnsley v Scunthorpe United: Flitcroft is aiming to cash in with extended campaign

AS Barnsley return to knockout football tonight, David Flitcroft admits another good run would be a big lift for the club’s Championship campaign.
By Richard Sutcliffe
Published 6th Aug 2013, 09:00 BST
David Flitcroft.David Flitcroft.
David Flitcroft.

The Reds host League Two outfit Scunthorpe United looking to enjoy their first extended run in the League Cup since losing to Manchester United in the fourth round in 2009-10.

Flitcroft’s Barnsley did, however, battle through to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup last season before bowing out to Manchester City.

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The Oakwell manager said: “Like last season, cup games will be important to the budget. We are trying in every way to get more money into the (playing) budget because certainly this year, more than ever, that money is coming back to us and into the first-team squad to help keep improving it.

“It is brilliant news for me as a manager and for the players to know we keep wanting to improve this squad.

“Cup runs can give you momentum and the money is an added bonus. As a manager, I like knowing what budget we have got and I only really want to spend that money. That’s the way football should be run.

“But certainly for me, knowing those perimeters and working in them, if you get any more money, it’s a real bonus.”

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Barnsley suffered a disappointing start to the new season on Saturday as Wigan Athletic triumphed 4-0 at Oakwell as Dean Jennings was sent off on his debut for an ugly challenge on Shaun Malloney.

The summer signing will be missing tonight as Flitcroft looks for a reaction from his players, who were well beaten by the FA Cup holders as they struggled to test new Wigan goalkeeper Scott Carson.

But Flitcroft believes his side’s experiences in the FA Cup last season can act as an inspiration.

He said: “The cup games were good experiences last season. I don’t think those games impacted us last year until probably Cardiff (away) and Crystal Palace. That was the first time I saw our team run out of steam with Charlton coming up.

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“But certainly at the start, the cup energised us with the wins against Burnley and Hull, as we beat Championship opposition and it gave us the incentive to think we could beat anyone.”

Barnsley continue to search for a striker with Hull City’s Aaron Mclean having been on the radar.

Last six games: Barnsley LDDWDL, Scunthorpe United LDLWWW.

Referee: P Tierney (Lancashire).

Last time: Barnsley 2 Scunthorpe United 1; March 8, 2011; Championship.

Related topics:BarnsleyLeague TwoOakwellManchester United