Barnsley’s strategy is key to new deal for Flitcroft

BARNSLEY remain optimistic that David Flitcroft will sign a new deal at Oakwell shortly, with further talks planned with the 39-year-old today.
David FlitcroftDavid Flitcroft
David Flitcroft

Flitcroft, fresh from steering the Reds to a stunning great escape from relegation – and ensuring Championship football at Oakwell for an eighth successive season – met with club officials yesterday to discuss plans for the way forward.

While the club have verbally offered him a new deal – and are in the process of drawing up a formal contract – the Lancastrian will only commit when he receives the necessary assurances about the long-term structure and strategy of the club, who are expected to announce their retained list today.

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Managing director Don Rowing insists both the club and Flitcroft remain relaxed about his current contractual situation.

He said: “It is a good opportunity for David and I would be very surprised if he did not take the job on board, personally.

“David has done a wonderful job and earned the right to be (permanent) first-team manager here, we appreciate that.

“He is pretty relaxed about things. And it’s a case of thinking about the football first and then he’ll think about his contract.

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“He is under contract until later on in May and there’s no real rush. But the (contract) offer is there; it’s just a case of putting it into print.

“We had a good fruitful meeting (yesterday). We talked not just about players, but pre-season and things going forward.”

On the future of Flitcroft’s assistants Martin Scott and Micky Mellon, Rowing added: “I am sure he will want those lads on board as part and parcel of the deal.”

Club stalwart Stephen Foster and fellow defender Rob Edwards are among players not offered new deals, along with John Rooney and Matty Done.

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Meanwhile, the Sheffield United board are prepared to take their time before deciding on their next managerial course following their failure to clinch promotion through the League One play-offs.

Former Blades player and current Oxford United manager Chris Wilder’s odds to take over were cut on Tuesday, but it is understood no approach has been made to the U’s.

The Blades are waiting to see who expresses an interest before drawing up a shortlist and starting the interview process.

Caretaker-boss Chris Morgan, keen to land the post permanently, is set to be one of those who will be interviewed.