The Reds will start discussions with caretaker Paul Heckingbottom over the full-time head coach role once the season has finished, says Ben Mansford.

Barnsley chief executive said: "Paul has 100 per cent backing from everyone at the club and he's shown that he is ready to be the head coach. We will enter into discussions with him, but it's just finding the right time to do that comprehensively away from all of the important games we have had recently. The faith we have put in Paul has been repaid. We're delighted to see one of our own lead the team during this good run."

Barnsley retained list will also be announced after their last game of the season and they are close to securing several new signings already. The Reds’ campaign could end on Sunday or be extended until the end of May if they reach the play-offs. 

Mansford told the Chronicle: “We just need to focus on what’s going on on the pitch then all the contracts will be sorted out after the final game, whenever that is. However strong the relationship is between the club and the player or the club and the member of staff, contract talks can be a bit of a distraction.

“To preserve your compensation rights for players under 24 you have to make an offer by the third Saturday in May but that will be extended if we get to the play-off final on May 29.

“We are substantially advanced in our recruitment of new players regardless of which division we are in. We are a long way ahead on one or two bits of important business in terms of new players and hopefully we are close to being able to announce them.”

Player of the Year Adam Hammill is out of contract at the end of the season as are regular full-backs Aidy White and George Williams. There are also several youngsters whose deals expire in the summer such as Jack Cowgill, Callum Evans, Brad Abbott, Bailey Gooda and George Maris.