Hignett’s backing Ismael’s flyers to Tyke some stopping in play-offs chase
CRAIG HIGNETT insists Barnsley will be the side to beat if they clinch a place in the Championship play-offs.
Under head coach Valerien Ismael, the Tykes have been the surprise package in this season’s race for the Premier League.
The Frenchman, who replaced Gerhard Struber in October, has overseen a dramatic transformation at Oakwell after last season’s Houdini-like escape from relegation and an immediate return to League One.
Barnsley have spent only one season in the top flight – the thenPremiership in 1997-98 – when they were led by Danny Wilson.
Hignett was signed by Wilson’s successor, John Hendrie, and the mercurial midfielder was leading scorer with
22 goals when Dave Bassett took Barnsley to the Division One play-off final in 2000.
But Ipswich broke the Reds’ hearts, winning
4-2 in an epic clash and Hignett (below), who scored both Barnsley goals, would “love it’’ if Ismael’s men went one better.
The loan signing of eight-goal USA striker Daryl Dike,
20, from Orlando City has proved a masterstroke by Ismael, whose side face Coventry this afternoon at St Andrew’s.
And Hignett said: “He’s done an incredible job. The turnaround in form has been amazing.
“I think he’s changed the style and a lot of clubs can’t cope with how Barnsley play.
“They’re very direct but he’s playing a style that suits the players.
“And in Dike, he’s got one of the best strikers – if not the best – in the league. They’ve gone ❱ on a fabulous run and if they get in the play-offs, they’re the ones to beat in such good form.
“If you look at the teams in the play-off places, I would have to say I’d fancy Barnsley.
“They’ve had their problems over recent times, but hopefully they’ll have a bit of success.’’
Recalling his Wembley let-down with Barnsley, Hignett said: “I scored a couple on the day. We had a penalty before half-time and if Darren Barnard had scored and we’d gone in 2-1 up, it might have been different.
“I’m sure the fans enjoyed the day, but the result was really disappointing. Finals are great occasions, but if you don’t win it’s the worst place in the world to be.
“I’d love it if they went one better than we did. I’ve really fond memories of the club.’’
Hignett also played for Barnsley’s opponents today and said: “I hope Coventry stay up. They’ve got a good manager in Mark Robins. “When Gary McAllister was in charge, I went on loan from Blackburn. I might have joined Coventry permanently but I broke my leg in a game at Sheffield United.’’
Former Hartlepool boss Hignett, now 51 and a scout with Sunderland, is still looking to return to management or coaching.
He said: “If I could get a job at a good club, coaching the Under-23s, that would do me. I’d probably get as much pleasure out of that as managing.’’