Bury v Barnsley: Paul Heckingbottom cool with club's caution

Heckingbottom takes temporary charge of the Reds for the fourth time tonight when victory would see them move within four points of sixth-placed Coventry.

On whether being handed the role for the rest of the current season would be an advantage, he said: “Probably, but it is only a benefit if they are sure about it.

“Of course, from my coaching and the players’ perspective, yes it would be. But the club must be certain they are doing the right thing and that’s what they are trying to do. You have to probably be a little bit more careful when you are working in the short-term. As we have seen before in other places, I think that can only go on for so long and then you need stability and start implementing things to make us better.”

The Reds are 10th and Heckingbottom believes that a number of play-off candidates are starting to look over their shoulders in their direction.

He said: “We have sort of come from nowhere and while we are still a few points away, teams will be thinking, ‘Barnsley are on a good run’.

“They might have thought the bubble had burst against Gillingham away. But Saturday’s win keeps us in contention and keeps whoever we are playing wary that we are going to be a tough game.”

Last six games: Bury DLLLWW Barnsley WWDWLW.

Referee: C Boyeson (East Yorkshire).

Last time: Bury 1 Barnsley 0; November 12, 2002; Football League Trophy.