BARNSLEY FOOTBALL CLUB

Reds Manager Danny Wilson spoke to the press ahead of Saturday's match at home to Blackpool.

Starting off with his new recruit, Liam Lawrence, Danny said, "Apart from his experience, as you well know, he will bring leadership qualities." said Danny.

"Some of the players, with all due respect, for the talent they've got need leaders on the pitch. He's not match fit. He's had a few training sessions with us. But he's a fit lad and he's experienced and it won't take him long to get up to speed. We'll look at him tomorrow and if he doesn't react to anything we might include him. He can play anywhere. Behind the front two or one or either side of the pitch."

As for any other additions, Danny continued, "Before the weekend possibly. We're looking at strikers. It's the area we need to be a threat from and we haven't scored enough goals. We'd like to get some help in there for Chris (O'Grady). So have to cut the cloth accordingly. We needed to let a few players go to freshen things up. It's no disrespect to anybody who has left the club. Some of these players need a fresh start. They understand that changes need to be made to freshen things up."

There are three players set for their home debuts this Saturday, with Ryan McLaughlin and Brek Shea joining Liam Lawrence as the new boys, hoping to provide a much-needed lift.

"It does need a lift," said Danny. "It was quite flat and when you have that feeling that the dressing room is flat, we have the responsibility to bring in the best players we possibly can. But we've seen a lift already. The training session today was absolutely top class. I was delighted with it."

Despite Saturday's visitors Blackpool not being in the best of form, the Barnsley boss knows of the threat the Seasiders pose.

"It's a very good opportunity for us," continued Danny. "The squad they have and the run they went on at the start of the season suggests they have quality in their side. We have total respect for their side. But it's about how we approach the game. That enthusiasm, belief and trust is important to us and how we approach the game. It will be a stern test. What you can see is they've had a lot of players that have left the club after their loans have expired.

"We just need one win and kick on from there. If we can get the right blend together then we've got a great chance. The nucleus of the players are here but we need help from one or two outsiders."

The list of absentees for Barnsley includes Bobby Hassell, Kelvin Etuhu and Marcus Pedersen, as Danny continued, "We aren't looking too bad. Jim O'Brien has a groin problem but we're hoping he will be okay. Marcus Pedersen - it's looking like he won't be fit for the weekend. Hopefully we can secure a few (new signings) next week."