Barnsley manager David Flitcroft is hoping that his team manages a great start to the new Championship season. Barnsley will be taking on Wigan in the opening day of the season. This will be one of the toughest tests for Flitcroft and his team from now till the end of the season because Wigan have just been relegated. Further, they also have a new manager in the form of Owen Coyle, who has plenty of Premier league and Championship experience. Barnsley only managed to avoid relegation by the skin of their teeth last time around and Flitcroft will be hoping to avoid a repeat of the same.
Flitcroft has said that his team showed a lot of spirit last season when they managed to stay up against all odds. He has revealed that he does not want to go through the relegation battle once again. Hence, he is hoping a good start from the team that will be helpful towards carrying through the rest of the campaign. Flitcroft was initially handed the manager job at Barnsley on a temporary basis, but he impressed the board to earn himself a permanent contract. The club has had only one pre-season friendly victory, which does not bode well for Flitcroft’s ambition.
“We are all very excited about the new season. We showed tremendous strength of character to stay up in dramatic circumstances last season and I was proud of all the lads who contributed, but we don’t want to be having to endure those sorts of nerves again. We have strengthened the squad and the players are raring to go. Individually and collectively we have worked hard to be ready. I’m very pleased with the fitness of the players,” said Flitcroft ahead of the start of the new campaign. Following this match, they have a League cup encounter against Scunthorpe United.