Darrell Clarke does not think where Barnsley are in the League One table will have an impact on their ability to bring in the players they want in the January transfer window.

The Reds, who are currently ninth and a point off the top six, are hoping to strengthen up front and at left wing-back in the window which opens next week.

That gap could be wiped out or grow depending on their results in the four games over the ten days starting on Boxing Day.

Asked if the league position will affect transfer activity, head coach Clarke told the Chronicle: “I don’t that has an impact.

“I have said all along, I would be very disappointed if we don’t make the top six. I still believe we can get more out of the squad and the additions in January have to help us do that. There is a lot of negativity around when you are not winning, and I understand that. But I want to stay positive, improve results and have a positive year.”

Barnsley’s performance levels have dipped in recent games when they have been without key players due to injury and illness.

“I think we’re a top six team with our best 11 on the pitch. We have to improve the other players who haven’t quite hit the levels yet. That’s down to me. I need to be doing more with the players I have in the building.”

He added: “We are always working on January. I have made my position clear where I think we need to strengthen. I can’t thank the board enough and Mladen (Sormaz) is a top guy and top sporting director. We’re trying to get the key players to improve the squad.”