Bullish Ritchie Eyes Final Glory

Barnsley boss Andy Ritchie is in bullish mood ahead of the League One play-off final against Swansea.

The Tykes booked their place in the final with a dramatic victory over Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield, and Ritchie is convinced his side thrive, not freeze, under pressure.

"We've played in front of some big crowds this season, a couple of games that have been on television were big ones, and my players responded in those," he pointed out.

"They responded on the last day of the season when we needed to win to make sure we made the play-offs, and they responded from being 1-0 down after the first leg in the semi-final against Huddersfield to come through.

"Either they have no nerves, or with them being so young, they just don't feel them."

Swansea have had the edge over Barnsley in recent league meetings and Ritchie accepts they will once again provide stiff opposition.

"They have very good defenders and great forwards. We know Lee Trundle will be on the bench, but we know how dangerous they can be," he observed.

"They are a good footballing side, but we are their equals. It will be a good footballing game."

Ritchie is hoping to take some lessons from former club Leeds' below-par performance against Watford in the Championship play-off last week, but he admitted that he was pleased for close friend Aidy Boothroyd, the Hornets manager.

"It was a double-edged sword for me last week," he explained. "Leeds are one of my former teams and I worked there as academy manager, so it was very disappointing.

"But on the other hand I felt elation for Aidy because we know each other quite well - we did our full (coaching) badge together.

"I'm not sure whether Leeds froze so much as Watford did not allow them to play - they were all over them like a bad rash and we'll be trying to do the same to Swansea."

The game is also a huge personal occasion for Ritchie, but he is determined to control his emotions for the good of the team.

"This will be my biggest game as a manager aspiring to win things," he declared.

"I had a big game as manager at Oldham on the last game of the season. We had to win on the last day of the (1998/99) season to stay up and we managed to do it.

"It was a massive game I suppose with a fair bit riding on it, but on Saturday it will have a little extra in terms of what it means and what we could achieve.

"But between then and now we'll be keeping the players as level-headed as we can and not let them get carried away.

"We'll be looking to keep it all low key until Saturday and then fire them out of the cannon.

"Let's hope we can put a smile back on people's faces."