Dose of realism required from Reds faithful

Keith Hill has asked for pragmatism rather than patience from the Oakwell faithful following his side’s slow start to the season.

Barnsley have just one point and one own goal to their credit this season and were brushed aside by free-flowing Middlesbrough on Tuesday night.

It was their third home defeat on the spin in all competitions and the boos rang out around Oakwell as they toiled to get back into the game against Boro, prompting manager Hill to call for common sense to prevail.

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“Things aren’t going to change overnight. You can sack the manager and install a new one but things aren’t going to change at Barnsley Football Club,” said Hill, who succeeded Mark Robins in the summer.

“Barnsley have had nine managers in the last 10 seasons. It’s got to be relative, the success people are looking for.

“Patience? Probably not. New manager? I’ve no idea. But if that’s what the fans want then probably that’s what the fans will get. But I think it’s a bit unrealistic to suggest that we’re going to spend millions of pounds, like possibly Middlesbrough and Southampton have.

“There’s got to be that realisation from supporters. I’ve had great support from Patrick (Cryne, owner) and the board, but the financial circumstances won’t change regardless.

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“I’d back our board and our owner to run the club within its means and that policy should be more prevalent in every walk of football. We’re not spending money that we haven’t got.”

Barnsley broke their scoring duck early on when Danny Haynes forced Stephen McManus into an own goal but within 10 minutes the lively Scott McDonald and Barry Robson had transformed the contest and Marvin Emnes put it to bed on the stroke of half-time.

Hill said: “I’m more pleased than I was Saturday (defeat to Southampton) because the players showed endeavour, attitude, application and I couldn’t fault that.

“I will always protect my players if I get that – if I don’t get that then I won’t be too happy.

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“But we were beaten by the better side and there’s no disgrace in losing to that Middlesbrough side.

“I’m asking the lads to over-achieve. And if they give me everything they’ve got I’ll protect them as much as I possibly can.

“I don’t mind people singling me out but I’ll protect them at all costs if they give me everything with and without the ball.

“It’s fair to say I learnt a lot especially from the opposition, because they were magnificent.”

Tony Mowbray was less fulsome in the praise of his players.

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“It was okay,” said Mowbray. “It wasn’t the game plan to go behind so early and yet they stuck to their jobs. They believed in what we asked them to do. We’re a threat. McDonald and Emnes can score goals in this league.”