Luke Steele has hit out at Barnsley’s board after the public rejections from Sean O’Driscoll and Terry Butcher.
Steele says the players are frustrated as the Oakwell manager saga drags on. Reds director Don Rowing said a new appointment would be made before tomorrow’s clash with Leeds and caretaker manager David Flitcroft said goodbye to the players after the win against Burnley in the FA Cup on Saturday but returned on Tuesday and has taken training throughout the week.
Steele said: “It’s a bit frustrating because they make a big thing and tell everyone who they’re going for as if he’s already said yes and then he says no and they’re back to square one.
“I’m sure there’s other people that they’re looking at but we’d rather have it sorted. If they’re going to give it to Flicker then they should do it, if not they should appoint someone sooner rather than later especially with a derby coming up.
“The new manager needs to settle in and get a feel for the place. The longer he has to do that the better job he will do.”
Meanwhile, Steele’s team-mate Stephen Dawson also said the situation had dragged on for too long. Dawson told the Chronicle: “Flicker doesn’t know whether he’s coming or going, but there are 20 games left and we need a new manager in.
“I’d like the club to get it sorted. Lots of names are going around. First it was Sean O’Driscoll and then it was Terry Butcher. You just don’t know.“We are hearing stuff in the press like everyone else but we need to get settled.
“This has dragged on long enough and the players don’t have a clue what’s going on and we need to get organised and look at the rest of the season.“
Many of the players are believed to be in favour of Flitcroft being given a job on a permanent basis. Steele added: “We know Flicker and we know that he’s a good and honest guy. I’d like to see him given a chance until the end of the season. He has a hunger and desire to do well and they’re good enough reasons for him to be given a go.”
© 2013 Barnsley Chronicle Ltd