DARRELL Clarke has not ruled out adding another person to his coaching staff this summer, while he knows part of their role is getting the best out of players who have previously struggled for Barnsley.

Clarke joined from Cheltenham Town as head coach two months ago, later bringing goalkeeper coach James Bittner with him.

Martin Devaney – who had been caretaker for the play-off loss to Bolton Wanderers following Neill Collins’ sacking – is now his assistant.

Collins’ assistant Jon Stead remains with the Reds, working under Clarke as first team coach, while former Reds captain Conor Hourihane has joined as player/coach.

Clarke told the Chronicle: “The staff have been working hard.

“I am not ruling out adding to the backroom staff. But it’s a really good group and everyone is working hard to prepare the players.”

Hourihane and Marc Roberts, who has returned as a defender, are members of the 2016 promotion-winning team.

Clarke said: “Conor and Robbo know the club and the fanbase.

“We have to get that connection with our fans. That’s key. Any successful team has that.

“Those players know what’s required and they drive the standards.”

Striker Max Watters started up front in the first friendly on Saturday and scored.

The 25-year-old struggled to make an impact after signing a three-year contract a year ago, barely playing for the first team in 2024.

Clarke said: “It was good to see him score. Strikers get confidence with goals whether it’s a friendly or any game.

“Everyone starts with a clean slate. I am not interested in what happened last season or the season before.

“It’s what they can show me.

“We need to have the players who can perform at the top end of League One.”