BARNSLEY look likely to go into the final full week of the January transfer window still looking for at least a couple of key signings but head coach Darrell Clarke says he is ‘pretty relaxed.’
The Reds are currently fifth in League One, a point clear in the top six play-off places and 12 off the top two. Their four-game winning run came to an end with a 3-1 loss at Bristol Rovers on Saturday and they now host mid-table Stevenage tomorrow before visiting high-flying Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday.
The January transfer window is due to shut in ten days on Monday, February 3. So far, Barnsley have brought in Neil Farrugia from Shamrock Rovers who made his debut at the weekend.
The Reds have been in advanced negotiations over an incoming signing this week but, although there is an outside chance of business being done today, it is more likely to drag into next week.
They are thought to be looking for a striker as well as a goalkeeper, although other positions could also be looked at.
They have been linked with Sheffield United’s 18-year-old striker Ryan One but the Chronicle understands he has not been a target.
Head coach Darrell Clarke told the Chronicle: “I do think things are hotting up for us behind the scenes but sometimes you think you’re close and the rug gets pulled from underneath you.
“It’s a window where things can change pretty quickly.
“Everybody is after good players and there is competition for the players we want.”
He added: “I am always hopeful. It’s similar to last week. We’re moving forward but not over the line. My focus is preparing the team for Saturday’s game.
“I have had conversations with players, Mladen (Sormaz, sporting director) and the recruitment team have had a lot of conversations. We are trying to get the right players that add to the group.
“We won’t sign players for the sake of it. The players we bring in have to be better than what we’ve got and give us different dimensions to try to win games.”
Does Clarke think the business Barnsley do in the next ten days will define their season?
“I can only control what I can control. My focus doesn’t come off the work I need to do with my current players and getting them better.
“Experience of working in transfer windows for 12 or 13 years puts me in good stead. I don’t get too excited until somebody is in the building and the deal is done, because I have seen the consequences when it doesn’t happen.
“I am pretty relaxed about it and concentrating on having a strong last 20 games of the season.”
Barnsley have often made a lot of their transfers on the final day of the recent windows. Clarke said: “We will try to avoid going to the last day if we can.
“Any manager or head coach up and down the country will you tell they want business done early. The more time you get with players, the better to build connections and togetherness in the group so the new players can fit in as well as they possibly can.
“But we don’t live in a perfect world so we will just adapt to whatever happens in the window.”
The Reds are determined to keep hold of star players such as midfielder Adam Phillips, with Clarke saying there had been no bids.
Fringe players are still expected to be moved on.
Striker Andy Dallas, who returned from a loan at AFC Barrow last week, could be loaned out to another League Two club for the remainder of the season. He was reportedly set to sign for Morecambe but they are now under a transfer embargo.
Back-up goalkeeper Jackson Smith is set to be loaned out for experience if another stopper comes in.
Midfielder Josh Benson and striker Sam Cosgrove are thought to be among those who can leave the club if a deal can be found which suits all parties.
Clarke said: “I have already told the fringe players they need to go because I need to free up spaces and trim the squad a bit. When I came in in the summer, there was a lot of tidying up that needed to be done, in my opinion.
“Players have not hit the levels for whatever reason. Sometimes it’s great for the player to have a fresh start.
“Hopefully we can move them on as quickly as possible which will obviously help not only financially but to trim the squad. I know Mladen is working hard for that to happen.”