Neill Collins has spoken out about being fired as Barnsley’s head coach.
The forty-year-old took charge at Oakwell last summer after making his way back to Yorkshire as a player for Sheffield United and Leeds United. With just one game remaining in the regular League One season, he was relieved of his responsibilities.
When he was fired, Barnsley was in fifth position, and on the last day of the season, they were assured a spot in the play-offs. Collins’ assistant Martin Devaney managed the team’s final-day match against Northampton Town and guided the Reds to the playoffs.
They played Bolton Wanderers over the course of two legs, however they were unable to make it to the Wembley final. Collins has now made an announcement through the League Managers Association, or LMA.
“Just under a year ago, I was honoured to be named head coach of Barnsley FC. I made a very serious decision when I decided to bring my family back to the UK after seven amazing years in the USA and to leave a club that had grown very dear to me.
But I was unable to pass up the chance to advance my coaching career at a team with such a rich history and tradition.
“I am incredibly proud of the work the players and staff put in this season, and I believe we earned the opportunity to try and complete our goal of promotion together. However, I cannot express how disappointed I was to have been relieved of my duties with one game remaining and the club sitting fifth in the table. I want to thank the staff and players for all of their efforts and encouragement while I was a member of the team.
“I gave my all to the work from the moment I started, and I gained a lot of knowledge from my time at Barnsley. I’m excited to spend time with my family and prepare for whatever the next challenge may be.”
