Watford v Barnsley: Robins delighted with progress of his Tykes

Robins, who has recently been linked with the vacant manager’s job at Coventry City, arrived at Oakwell 19 months ago when the Tykes were bottom of the Championship table.

His new side were beaten 1-0 that afternoon at Vicarage Road but, significantly, only six of the 18 players in the squad are still with the club.

The Tykes are now 17th in the Championship and 11-points clear of the relegation zone with four games to play.

“We’ve come a long way,” said Robins. “On the day it was difficult for the lads. It wasn’t a great start in all fairness.

“But a lot of players have gone in and out, we’ve eventually got a more settled team and squad, and hopefully we can build on that next season.”

Although Watford have seven points more than Barnsley, they are still seven points adrift of the top six and more or less out of play-off contention.

“We’ll have to be at our best to get anything from the game,” warned Robins. “They are a hardworking side and a young side as well. But we’re looking to the next few games and looking to pick up as many points as we can.”

The Tykes will be without defender Paul McShane who has returned to his parent club Hull City following a loan spell. The Republic of Ireland international was sent off for violent conduct on his farewell appearance last weekend against Middlesbrough and is now suspended for three games.

“He’s been a real competitor,” said Robins. “He’s done everything that’s been asked of him, the only blemish was the sending off.”