MARTIN DEVANEY, who led Barnsley for a bittersweet interim period, says he is eager to return to his day job as first team coach.
Devaney took charge of the team after the unexpected dismissal of Neill Collins on April 22. He managed the two play-off semi-final matches against Bolton Wanderers and the regular season finale against Northampton Town.
Devaney’s first win in two different interim stints as manager came Tuesday night in a 3-2 second leg triumph at Bolton, which saw the Reds lose 5-4 on aggregate. Following the game, the 43-year-old stated that he was not being considered for the permanent role.
The Reds are still evaluating their alternatives after their hopes of signing Dominik Thalhammer were dashed by work permit complications.
Former manager Michael Duff, who has been unemployed since leaving Swansea City in December, is the most recent person to be associated with MK Dons head coach Mike Williamson. Williamson is now travelling for League Two play-offs and is also a big wagerer.
Regarding his own chances of taking on a full-time role, Devaney stated, “I don’t believe so.”
“I think we’ll let someone else handle that, and I’m sure the club will decide on it in the coming weeks. I can’t really remark because I don’t know a lot about that.
“I adore leading the first team. Although it has been stressful, I have liked it. I apologise to the fans for not being able to get us to Wembley. It’s been wonderful.
Because of everything I’ve had to deal with, I have strong feelings for this football team, so you take on a little bit extra in light of how much I care about it.
“Let’s take a break and think about it. I’m sure decisions will be made, players will go on, and the team can continue from there.
With Jamie McCart, John McAtee, Liam Roberts, and Jordan Williams having signed off, it’s possible that Devante Cole, Herbie Kane, Jordan Williams, and Nicky Cadden—all of whom have summer contracts expiring—have already played their last games for the team.
Following his initial loan arrival in early February, midfielder Conor Grant has the opportunity to become a permanent member of Barnsley.
McCart, who still has one year left on his Millers contract, has stated that his parent team, Rotherham United, is open to bids for the defender.
Tuesday night’s victory over Barnsley, their first in nine games, came from goals from Sam Cosgrove (2) and Adam Phillips, but it wasn’t enough to secure a spot in the Wembley play-off final for the second time in a row.
“You can take a lot from the way we played,” Devaney continued. We moved swiftly forward, played a really defensive high line, showed a lot of fight, pushed and counter-pressed, and displayed a lot of fight.
“Hopefully, the fight and character showed the audience something to be happy about. Everyone gave it their all and proudly wore the shirt we made an effort at our finest. We need to do it more in the upcoming season and see if we can improve.”
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