After a historic pre-Christmas week off the field at Oakwell, Barnsley manager Paul Heckingbottom is looking forward to being back in home comforts for his first two post-Christmas fixtures.
Speaking to iFollow Barnsley after his side went without a win in eight as they lost 2-1 at Fulham on Saturday, the former Tykes player and supporter believes that with a bit of extra quality, they would have won the game at Craven Cottage.
“We did lots of things really well,” he said. “The only thing I could criticise was moments of quality. We let ourselves down in the first half with the lack of quality, with that final pass and it was a similar story in the second half.
“We weren't opened up too many times and I thought we had the better opportunities, but the only area we can improve is the quality. I know when we get organised and we do well we can cause sides problems and we have a chance.
“What we can't do is guarantee the quality. I can't criticise the players when they are giving everything.”
After having illness running through his squad and staff prior to the weekend’s game, he feels it will be vital to freshen up ahead of the visit of the Lilywhites on Tuesday.
“We had a few boys who suffered with illness and we had to send Brad Potts home due to that,” he continued.
“Every game is vital. I am looking forward to getting back to Oakwell and having a couple of games there over Christmas and going all out to claim the points.
“We have had a couple of long away games, with lots of travel and lots going off, off the pitch, so it will be nice to get the players back, rested and ready for three big games.
“I would like to think that with the historic news off the pitch that people will be intrigued and I want everyone to come down. It’s the start of something new - so everyone should be looking to get involved.
“Through performance changes and keeping everyone fresh we will make changes. I didn't think [Tom Bradshaw] would get through the game at Fulham as he's got laringitis, so we will have to assess him.
“But there will be changes, because when you are playing Saturday-Tuesday, Saturday-Monday, it is a big ask.”
