Pual Heckingbottom has played down suggestions that Barnsley have the most momentum going into the play-offs, but says his team’s experience of big games could give them a crucial advantage.
The Reds are bidding to become only the second team since 2003 to gain promotion after finishing sixth in League One.They have been on excellent form since they were bottom in December but their head coach insists their good run is meaningless going into the play-off games against Walsall for a place in the Wembley final.
“All of the four teams in the play-offs have got momentum,” said head coach Heckingbottom, whose side host Walsall tomorrow then visit them in the second leg on Thursday.
“The four in the play-offs are the form teams of the leagues. Walsall have been the most consistent then finished the season really strong and both Millwall and Bradford were in mid-table halfway through the season then went on really good runs.
"All the results we have picked up since the turn of the year mean nothing now. “It’s just about approaching it the right way.”
Heckingbottom’s side finished their season with a 4-1 win at champions Wigan on Sunday. He said: “That result and performance changes everyone’s outlook and gives a bit more buoyancy, joy and expectations.“But we have to be realistic and say that we are one of four really good teams. We finished bottom of those four but that doesn’t mean we’re not going to beat the others. I think it’s hard to split the four teams.”
Heckingbottom says his side’s experience of playing under pressure for most of the season will help them. He said: “That is definitely a factor. Since we got to about eighth or ninth in the league every single one has been a big game. We billed them as big games on purpose because we wanted them to develop that mentality. We have tried to acclimatise to that sort of environment.”
Royston man Heckingbottom is delighted to have taken his hometown club into the end-of-season games. He said: “I’m a massive fan of the play-offs. I got there four times as player, losing two and winning two but I loved every single one. If we approach these matches in the same manner that we have in every other game, I am confident we will be OK but – if we miss out – then at least we will have given our best.”
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