DARRELL Clarke admits promotion is now a ‘long shot’ for Barnsley but is leaning on past experience of launching a late run into contention at other clubs.

The Reds are currently 11th in League One, ten points off the top six play-off places with 15 games to play.

They have collected just a point from their last six games, with the latest a 2-1 defeat at home to Huddersfield Town on Saturday. That left them seven points off the play-offs then sixth-placed Leyton Orient – who were ten points behind the Reds earlier in the season – gained a midweek win at Wrexham which took the gap into double figures.

Clarke has called on some players to stop ‘going hiding’ and says there can be ‘no self pity.’

They now play another all-Yorkshire game at Rotherham United from 12.30pm on Saturday.

Clarke told the Chronicle: “We’ve fallen down the pecking order for various reasons and there is a lot of frustration around the place which I totally understand. But I have been involved in teams who have had really good runs.

“I think I won 11 of the last 13 at Bristol Rovers to get promoted.

“I know there’s a lot of negativity about but I will remain positive.

“In football, momentum can swing both ways. We haven’t had enough consistency this season which has been a big frustration.

“With 15 games left, we still have an opportunity to find that.

“The only way you stop negativity is by winning. It’s the nature of the beast with social media and opinions flying everywhere.

“I can talk the talk with the best of them but, if you’re not winning, you will be questioned. No one will be questioned more than myself. I accept that.

“I know my role. I have done nearly 650 games as a manager. It’s not something I am new to and not something I am sitting here in shock about.

“It looks like we’ve been going through a transitional period but that doesn’t stop us from competing to get in the top six which we should do.

“The players are hurting. They are human beings. They feel the criticism, acceptable criticism by the way, and we have to manage that as a group.”

After the trip to Rotherham, Barnsley visit Northampton on Tuesday then host Lincoln the following Saturday.

Clarke added: “It’s not rocket science to see it’s a big week. There are three games, so let’s attack them.

“We’ll know a little bit more after these games."

He also said: "Top six is still the aim. Yes, it’s a long shot. A positive week can change things quickly.”

The Millers are 14th, five points behind the Reds, having taken just a point from their last four matches.

Barnsley have not lost to Rotherham in 11 games since 1982, and have won the last five meetings including a 2-0 home success in November.

Clarke said: “No doubt we will take a few supporters. It’s a big derby, a lunchtime kick-off. I am looking forward to it.

“Against Huddersfield, in the first half we were good but second half we were nowhere near it. This Saturday we need a full performance. Let’s stay positive.

“You know what you will get with a Steve Evans team. He’s very experienced. They haven’t had the success they wanted but anyone can go on a late run, Rotherham are one of those teams and I think we are one of those teams.”

Evans said: “I don’t think there are many times when I’ve gone home and sat quietly in the lounge, after my family’s gone to bed, and shed some tears.

“I did after Barnsley (a 2-0 loss in November). It was hurtful. No-one is saying some of it wasn’t deserved but there were some really hurtful comments to all of us. Reviewing the performance, we did deserve to be heavily criticised.”

The two clubs have met 55 times, with the Reds winning 24 and losing 17.

Rotherham sold former Barnsley loanee Jamie McCart to Hearts last month but still have ex-Red Mallik Wilks who has recently returned from injury.

Dexter Lembikisa, Barnsley’s January transfer window signing, played 27 games for the Millers in the first half of last season before they were relegated to the Championship.