League One: Barnsley sack Neill Collins with one game to go

The Tykes have dismissed their Scottish boss with just one game of the season to go.

Barnsley are fifth, and a win on the final day of the campaign would secure a play-off finish.

But after a run of four defeats and a draw in their last five games, the Yorkshire club have axed the man who was appointed only last summer.

"Despite several positive spells throughout the season, recent results have left the board of directors feeling that a change is needed," a club statement said.

Coach Martin Devaney has been placed in caretaker charge for their final game of the season against Northampton Town this weekend.

Barnsley sporting director Mladen Sormaz added: “Neill has been extremely professional throughout the period with which I have worked with him, he has done everything he can do to push the team in the direction we all want Barnsley to go.

"He has conducted himself with professionalism and commitment throughout the period I have worked with him.

Barnsley have sacked their boss despite sitting in a play-off position with one game to go (Image: Richard Parkes)

"However, with a crucial season conclusion ahead of us, we feel that now is the right time to make a change."

Barnsley are a point above sixth-placed Lincoln City and seventh-placed Oxford United, and two points ahead of eighth-placed Blackpool, as the race for the final two play-off places goes to the last 90 minutes of the campaign.

The top two play-off spots will go to Peterborough United and either Bolton Wanderers or Derby County. If the latter gain a point in their televised clash with Carlisle United on Saturday they will be promoted, leaving third-placed Bolton in the play-offs.

Barnsley, under Collins, did the double over the Cumbrians this season, winning 2-1 at Oakwell before a 3-2 victory at Brunton Park.