4 Neill Collins replacements Barnsley FC must consider ASAP after shock sacking

Barnsley are looking for a new manager following the surprise dismissal of Neill Collins on Monday afternoon.

With one game remaining in the regular League One season, the team is currently fifth in the standings, one point ahead of sixth-place Lincoln City and seventh-place Oxford United.

As a result, people at Oakwell are certain that a victory over Northampton Town on Saturday afternoon will ensure their spot in the League One play-offs.

However, following only two wins in their past 11 games, the club opted to make a change, firing Collins in the hopes that someone else can lead them back to the Championship.

Of course, they have little time to make that appointment, and given the sudden nature of this call, those in power at the club will be under a lot of pressure to get things right, especially given the stakes.

So, with that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of four Collins replacements that Barnsley should examine ahead of Saturday’s clash.

Leam Richardson

Richardson is currently unemployed, having been let go by Rotherham United last week.

That makes him an affordable and immediately available choice, especially given that he has recently been stationed in Yorkshire during his stint with the Millers.

This season’s Championship at The New York Stadium did not go so well for him. However, he does have experience promoting from League One in difficult circumstances with Wigan Athletic, which might be valuable both in the coming week or as a long-term alternative for next season if promotion is not secured this time around.

Neil Warnock

If there was ever a circumstance tailor-made for Warnock, this is it. In recent years, the 75-year-old has made a practice of arriving late in a season to rescue a struggling club.

There are few later moments in a campaign where he might be brought in than this, and he may be eager to try his hand at one in a promotion race following some recent relegation battles.

He is available following his departure from Aberdeen last month, and he appears to be unwilling to give up management just yet. He is also no stranger to Yorkshire, which might make this an ideal choice for all parties involved.

Alex Neil

Neil, a manager with extensive Championship experience, understands how to gain promotion with Football League clubs.

He has already done so in the Championship with Norwich City and League One with Sunderland, so he has a number of tempting qualities for Barnsley as they hunt for a new manager.

Indeed, Neil has been unemployed since leaving Stoke City in December, and he may be eager to return to work again, particularly with a role like this, which may lead to a quick return to the Championship.

Michael Duff

Michael Duff is a known face who Barnsley could try to re-sign, despite the difficult nature of his departure.

Last season, the 46-year-old led the Tykes to the League One play-off final, where they were defeated by Sheffield Wednesday with a goal in the final minute of overtime. Duff then left the club last summer to take charge at Championship outfit Swansea City.

However, the appointment did not go well, as Duff left the Welsh side before the end of the year. He is another who is now available, and given his recent experience in this circumstance with Barnsley, he may be a good fit for the position.