Barnsley head coach Darrell Clarke has admitted to feeling frustration rather than alarm as his side struggles to translate improved performances into consistent results.
The Reds have shown progress since October but remain haunted by lapses at both ends of the pitch, particularly in recent matches against Reading and Wigan Athletic.
Frustration at Missed Opportunities
Clarke’s Barnsley side has lost just once in their last eight games across all competitions—excluding an EFL Trophy loss to Doncaster Rovers. Despite this solid run, the coach is keenly aware that dropped points have stifled their climb up the League One table.
“The frustration for the group is we’re not higher up the table, to be honest. There’s belief in the group and squad and that’s the biggest frustration around the club; the fans as well. Some of the performances have been decent and if you keep doing that, you get more wins,” Clarke said.
Barnsley’s inefficiency in both attack and defence at Oakwell has been a recurring theme, but Clarke has noted significant improvements since their back-to-back defeats to Huddersfield Town in October. He remains optimistic that consistent performances will eventually yield the desired results.
“After the Huddersfield games, there’s certainly been an uptake in performances. Not necessarily the amount of results I’d have liked, but I definitely think there’s been improvements in lots of areas. That’s the message—to keep believing in what we are doing,” he added.
Upcoming Challenges
Clarke’s focus now shifts to the FA Cup, where Barnsley will face his former club Bristol Rovers in the second round this weekend. Beyond that, a challenging December awaits, starting with a daunting away trip to high-flying Wrexham. With the fixture list piling up, Clarke’s frustrations with recent points dropped could loom large as the team seeks to gain momentum.
Positive News on Josh Benson
One bright spot for Barnsley is the return to training of midfielder Josh Benson, who has been sidelined since late October. Clarke provided an encouraging update on Benson’s recovery:
“He had his first full training session on Monday, so hopefully we can keep him for a substantial period and make sure he is not having those little niggles and strains that keep holding him back.”
Writer’s View
Darrell Clarke’s Barnsley project remains a work in progress. While the team’s playing identity has solidified, their lack of ruthlessness continues to hold them back. The next few weeks, with pivotal cup and league fixtures, will test their resolve and ability to convert solid performances into tangible results. Benson’s return could offer a timely boost as the Reds push to climb the League One table.
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