Blackburn’s upheaval hinders Hill’s planning

Hill’s side host his old club, managerless Blackburn Rovers, who are also in a fair bit of strife, this afternoon with the Reds boss desperate to reward the patience of the Oakwell faithful to finish off a fraught 2012 on a high note.

Hill, who insists he takes full responsibility for his side’s efforts on the pitch, said: “I sympathise with the supporters because we have not won at home since September and the buck stops with me.

“Supporters obviously want to voice their concerns and criticisms in respect to our league position and results and they have every right to do that.

“The fans will be at the football club a long time after the players and the management will.

“It must be difficult for them, but I thank them for the support they are giving the players.

“I couldn’t see anything other than three points against Birmingham before and during the game on Boxing Day.

“I am pretty numb in respect to that game in its entirety. But it is just the way it is at this moment in time.

“No matter what we tend to do, we are getting beaten in football matches. It’s a recipe for disaster.”

Hill admits he does not know what to expect from Rovers, with his pre-match preparations affected by the change in management at Ewood Park following Thursday’s axing of Henning Berg.

He added: “I just do not know what to plan for regarding who is going to be in charge, what team he is going to play and so on. It has opened up a right can of worms.”