Mael de Gevigney was ‘proud’ to lead Barnsley out as captain for the first time on Saturday but ‘really disappointed’ with the 4-0 home loss to Leyton Orient.

The French defender took the armband due to the absence of usual skipper Luca Connell due to injury and injured vice-captain Marc Roberts.

De Gevigney says: “I am proud. I am walking out trying to do my best. It’s a good thing. But I don’t really think about it, I won’t change how I am in the changing room and on the pitch. We were not good enough and I am really disappointed.”

Barnsley conceded two goals from corners in the first half, while their home record reads two wins in 11 this season.

Mael said: “We have conceded many goals from set pieces in the last few games. We are working on it but it’s not good enough.

“I don’t know why we struggle so much at home because the fans are behind us. We were better in the last games but in this game we were completely far from what we have to do. Hopefully we will have good results at home in 2025 because, if we don’t, it will be hard to be in the top places.

“When it’s hard you have to show that you have some personality and fight.”

De Gevigney was at fault for the third goal on 51 minutes, leaving the ball for Charlie Kelman to score.

“It’s a hard one just after half-time. We were close to scoring from the corner just before. But all the game is disappointing. It’s not only one action. All the goals were bad and we conceded too many chances."

De Gevigney’s usual partners in the back three Josh Earl and Marc Roberts are injured.

“Everybody has to step up. The guys who have played most of the games, me, everybody has to do better. When you lose 4-0 all the team has done badly. We will work hard and change it.”