DARRELL Clarke is convinced Barnsley’s home form will turn around and hopes it starts with victory at home to Rotherham United in a South Yorkshire derby tonight from 7.15pm.
The Millers, managed by Steve Evans, came down from the Championship last season and are currently 14th, six positions and five points behind the eighth-placed Reds, having played an extra game. They won their last league game 2-0 at home to Evans’ former club Stevenage two weeks ago then lost 3-1 at home to League Two Cheltenham Town in the FA Cup.
Barnsley have won just one home game this season, out of six, so their seven points is the 19th best record in the division on their own turf, compared to 15 away which is the best in the league.
Their only win in their last 12 home league games since February was a 2-1 defeat of Bristol Rovers more than two months ago, while they have drawn all three since. Since losing on the opening night to Mansfield, they are unbeaten in five home league games with three successive draws.
Head coach Clarke told the Chronicle: “It’s always going to be talked about until we start winning home matches.
“But we have to ignore that and focus on producing performances at home that we’re capable of, then we will win football matches.
“It’s as simple as that. It goes right back to February and I believe it will turn. We have to make it turn.
“We have a lot of home games coming up. I have told the players to play without fear and express themselves.
“The run at home hasn’t been good for a period of time now but we have one of the best away records.”
Clarke added: “Can we put on a good performance at home that builds on our good run? That’s the sole focus.”
Evans has a reputation of playing direct and physical football.
Clarke told the Chronicle: “I think that’s disrespectful. Sometimes it’s easy to tarnish a manager. He’s had numerous promotions at different levels.
“He’s a bit of a Marmite character with a lot of people. I respect him and get on well with him. He’s a winner, whatever way that is.
“Coaches who do well in the lower leagues in other countries play a similar style to the top teams but in England you have to find different ways.
“It doesn’t make the coaches any worse. I have had to do that.
“Steve has been a good example of having success that way.”
Clarke added: “Rotherham did a lot of business early and took time to gel.
“Steve is a really experienced manager who knows how to get out of this division. I am sure they will be among the top six this season.
“Steve will want a response from a poor result against Cheltenham.
“If we bring our game, we’re more than a match for anybody.
“There is always an edge to derbies.
“I enjoy them. I enjoy big games.
“This is a big game for us and them.
“It should be a cracking atmosphere.
“I am looking forward to it.”
Rotherham have former Barnsley winger Mallik Wilks as well as defender Jamie McCart who was at Oakwell last season but is now injured. Wilks is also an injury doubt.
This will be the 55th meeting of the clubs, but only the ninth in the league in the last 41 years.
Barnsley have not lost to the Millers in 11 meetings since 1982, winning the last four while conceding only one goal.
They did the double over Rotherham in both the 2016/17 and 2020/21 Championship seasons with the most recent meeting being a 1-0 home win in April 2021 with a Carlton Morris goal securing them a place in the play-offs.
United have not won at Oakwell in 14 attempts since 1970 in the League Cup, while they also won in the league the previous year.
