Martin Devaney says his in-form under 23s side are feeding off the success of the first team which they are hoping to be a part of in the future.
While Daniel Stendel’s senior side are unbeaten in 13 league games, the young Reds are undefeated in five and have lost only once in nine following a 1-1 home draw with Nottingham Forest. An own goal put the Reds in front but they conceded an equaliser with ten minutes to play.
Devaney said: “It’s really refreshing to be on this run and the confidence is sky high. We went to Manchester United under 23s and drew with them in a friendly when they had some big names playing. Results aren’t the be all and end all in this age group but the performances have been outstanding recently.
“We are outplaying teams and outpressing teams, playing a similar type of football to the first team. Getting wins improves the confidence, attitude and focus of the players. We probably would have lost comfortably to Forest a few months ago because they are big, physical side, but we got a good draw and stayed unbeaten.”
Devaney believes the success of the first team is ‘rubbing off’ on his side. He said: “The first team being on good form definitely helps the under 23s. It creates a really positive environment around the club and everyone has a winning mentality with loads of confidence. All the under 23s really want to progress and eventually get into that first team so it is very motivational.”
Devaney – who played 176 games for the Reds – was part of the team which gained promotion in the 2005/06 League One season. That squad also included academy manager Bobby Hassell and under 18s coach Tom Harban as well as Dale Tonge, who has recently been promoted from under 16s coach to Stendel’s assistant.
Devaney said: “The team I played in was very attack-minded and we always went for the win. This team is very similar. The gaffer has got them playing fast-flowing, attractive football and, going into the last few games, everyone at the club is hoping they can get another promotion for Barnsley.”
The under 23s are due to visit Bolton Wanderers from 7pm on Monday. The under 18s – who lost 1-0 to Burnley – are due to visit Crewe Alexandra tomorrow from 11.30am.
