SIGNING at least one striker is the main aim for Barnsley before the January transfer window closes on Monday at 11pm.
The Reds are currently ninth in League One, two points off the play-offs – having lost their last three matches.
This week they lost 1-0 at home to mid-table Stevenage then 2-1 at high-flying Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday – conceding injury-time winners in both games. They now host lowly Burton Albion tomorrow.
So far, the Reds have brought in left wing-back Neil Farrugia and, yesterday, goalkeeper Joe Gauci on loan from Aston Villa.
It is thought to be possible that they could bring someone in on Friday but it is more likely that the majority of business is done on deadline day.
Striker Max Watters picked up an injury on Tuesday which is being assessed but could mean he misses some games. Clarke told the Chronicle: “It (Watters’ injury) doesn’t really change our thinking, to a certain extent, because it’s an area we’re looking to strengthen anyway. We have to see how far he’s behind and whether it’s one or two strikers we look for.
“I thought Humphs (Stephen Humphrys) performed quite well the other night and we have DKD (Davis Keillor-Dunn) and Sam Cosgrove as an option. It’s unfortunate but we are looking to strengthen in that area.”
He added: “You always want to do early business but we haven’t managed to. I am confident we can add one two more for a real strong squad and a good finish to the season.”
Will they look to recruit in other positions as well?
“You never say never. It’s a tough window. If it’s the right player at the right price, we should be looking.
“There are a few players in our squad who aren’t at the level I want them to be at and need to find other clubs.
“They need a freshness for themselves and for us. We will see what that opens up in other areas of our squad.”
The likes of Cosgrove and Josh Benson are thought to have been told they are surplus to requirements but it is unclear if they will find a move away before the deadline. Cosgrove’s situation may depend on whether strikers come in. Benson has been linked with Swindon.
Gauci’s signing means that Jackson Smith could be loaned out for the remainder of the season.
Striker Andy Dallas, who spent the first half of the season at Barrow, was expected to return to League Two with Morecambe but the move was reportedly cancelled as the Shrimps were under a transfer embargo.
He is likely to still go out on loan.
Barnsley have been determined to keep all their first team players.
Clarke told the Chronicle: “That remains the case but, for me, the players need to concentrate on their performances. We want to keep our best players but they need to put individual performances on which are better. It’s as simple as that.
“They have to work hard and try hard to get us in the Championship.
“We’ve had no bids. That’s a good thing for us. I want my players to focus on getting better with their performances rather than transfer windows.”
The home meeting with Burton is the first of four successive Saturday games with no midweek matches.
They visit Stockport County – who are fifth – then host fourth-placed neighbours Huddersfield Town before another derby at Rotherham United.
They then visit Northampton Town on Tuesday, February 25.
