Long-term vision sees Tykes boss Wilson stay at Oakwell

Barnsley manager Danny Wilson. Picture : Jonathan Gawthorpe.

The 54-year-old was handed the reins at Oakwell for the second time in December, with the contract details remaining undisclosed – although speculation has suggested it was initially for the rest of the season.

Despite not yet knowing what division the Reds will be in for 2014-15, the club hierarchy have started to address the future, with Wilson given the green light to bring in Chris Hutchings as his new No 2 on Sunday after the recent exit of Micky Mellon.

The club also confirmed yesterday that Mark Crossley will join his hometown side as their new goalkeeping coach.

The ex-Nottingham Forest keeper, who had been working as a development coach at Sheffield Wednesday, replaces Ian Willcock, who recently left the club.

Both appointments, on Wilson’s recommendations, were clear indicators of the club’s support for their manager, who is desperate to be leading out a Championship side and not a League One outfit in August.

Asked if he will still be at the club next term, Wilson, whose side secured an outstanding win at Reading on Tuesday, said: “Yes. I have enjoyed every minute since I have been back and we are going to build it back up to exactly where we want it to be.

“It may take time, but we will get there. I am very much looking forward to it, but there’s a ‘little’ job to do first and foremost.

“If we could stay up, it would be absolutely brilliant.

“It will be a big test for us to do that from where we are at this moment in time. But if we do it, it will be a fantastic platform for us to kick on from next season.”

Wilson has taken charge of 17 Championship games in his second spell so far at Oakwell, the same amount as David Flitcroft presided over in the first part of 2013-14 before being sacked on December 1.

Wilson, whose third-from-bottom side face a massive survival clash at relegation rivals Yeovil tomorrow, has managed to collect 21 points, 10 points more than Flitcroft accrued.

Young Reds striker Danny Rose has joined Bury on loan for the rest of the season.