DARRELL Clarke has asked Barnsley fans for patience as he tries to resurrect the promotion challenge.

The head coach, whose side are ten points off the play-offs in League One, has faced some criticism from fans as have those above him.

Clarke said: “The criticism is not unfair from the supporters. It’s a brutal world. League One is the strongest ever. We haven’t hit the heights on a consistent level. Everyone has to be assessed and accountable but none more than myself. I want to let the fans know that I am giving everything.

“If they can be a bit patient with myself, hopefully we can turn the corner very very quickly. I am under no illusions. I have been in the game long enough to know what it’s about but I fully understand the frustrations.

“I came into the club with eyes open. I said in the summer it would take about three windows. I believe I was brought in for the long-term but I am hurting because we’re not in top six.

“I have had honest conversations with the board and speak to Mladen (Sormaz, sporting director) two to three times a day. I will knuckle down, not feel sorry for myself, keep doing my best for the football club, players and staff and hopefully results turn quick.”

Barnsley brought in four players in the transfer window, then free agent Jonathan Lewis last week who is not fully match-fit. Clarke said: “There has been a transition in the window.

“Things didn’t go as we would have liked. That’s not through people not working hard. We didn’t quite get there in my opinion. But we can’t use that as an excuse for recent results. We have to be more consistent.”

Barnsley have the third best first half record and 17th best in the second half. Clarke joked that ‘my team talks are rubbish’ then added: “There are lots of reasons. Injuries, squad strength, tactical as well – I am not pushing that away.

“We are soft and flaky when things aren’t going well. We need to make sure, when we are having spell against us, we don’t concede a sloppy goal.”