Danny Wilson has suggested his job may have been at risk during the FA Cup win at Chester.
While the Reds board have said publicly and privately that they back Wilson as long-term manager, defeat at Conference club Chester would have been the low-point of a disappointing season in which the Reds are hovering just above the drop zone after targeting the top six.
"Everybody thought that we would get knocked out at Chester and that I would lose my job," said Wilson, who will receive a presentation from the League Managers Association before the game tomorrow.
"That's why there were so many press there and the TV cameras as well. One of the spectators told me I was getting the sack in the morning. We are always open to that as managers and you never know what would have happened if we had lost.
"But the players had exactly the right attitude. The win and performance were just what we needed and a great boost. "If we play like we did at Chester for the rest of the season we will be fine."
Despite being far from the oldest at 54, Wilson is the most experienced of all the managers currently working in the Football League. Only Premier League bosses Neil Warnock, Harry Redknapp and Arsene Wenger have overseen more games.
"It's a great privilege and I'm very proud to reach 1,000 games," he said.
"It's come around very quickly and I didn't expect to get there at my age. It's down to people having trust and belief in me over a long period of time and I am eternally grateful for that. I don't think I have left a club in a bad position or with bad feelings. Patience has long gone from football because it is a financially-driven industry. It will not happen as often now."
Wilson's first job was being in charge of the Reds from 1994 to 1998, with the final year spent in the Premiership. He left to join Sheffield Wednesday and has since managed Bristol City, MK Dons, Hartlepool, Swindon Town and Sheffield United. The manager has already said he would like to finish his career with a lengthy stay at Oakwell.
"I will know when I've had enough but the drive and enthusiasm is burning very, very brightly at this moment in time. I feel as energised as ever and very focused on what we need to do here. I have got loads of ambitions. The first one is to get this club promoted and get the team playing the way that gets the fans excited. Achievements-wise Barnsley's promotion is right up there for me. It was a great place to be."
Wilson's second spell in charge of the Reds began a year ago this week and he admits he has found the following 12 months difficult as they featured relegation from the Championship followed by an almost total change of players and staff.
He said: "It's been very indifferent. I came into a very difficult situation. We had a bit of a go but we weren't good enough. "That's why we've ended up where we are. The transition we have had has been massive. There's a totally different ethos and approach to the club.
"You will have highs and lows in a time like that but I'd like to think that, with the experience I have, I am better equipped to deal with it. We have got players who have never played in the Football League before and you have to give them time and believe in them."
