Reds’ chief Johnson now has Clough in his sights

BARNSLEY head coach Lee Johnson hopes the pupil will outwit the managerial master, Sheffield United chief Nigel Clough, in today’s Oakwell derby showdown.

Johnson, 33, the third youngest manager in the Football League behind Adam Murray and Alex Neil, locks horns with a familiar figure in Clough, having briefly played for the Blades chief during his tenure at Derby County.

While Johnson is in only his second full season of management, Clough, 49, has 15 campaigns under his belt with the Blades, Derby and Burton Albion and has a clear edge in the experience stakes.

But age is proving no barrier to Johnson, yet to be beaten in seven matches in charge of the Reds, who can move within two points of the fifth-placed Blades with victory this lunchtime.

Johnson admits today’s eagerly-anticipated derby with the visitors in front of an 18,000-plus Oakwell crowd, including 5,000 United fans, represents the most exciting assignment of his managerial career to date.

He urged his side to continue to show no fear in a season which can rightly be labelled as the ‘Great Comeback’ following the ‘Great Escape’ campaign of 2012-13 when the Reds miraculously staved off relegation.

On the task facing Barnsley, who were in 19th place in League One after the Valentine’s Day programme but who are unbeaten in nine, Johnson said: “We have got to go into it with no fear. We have come off the rails from nowhere and it’s very important we play like that.

“The players are in confident mood. Make no mistake, we are playing a very good side with a good manager who knows the division and it will be really tough like it was against Preston and Bristol City.

“But we are up there on merit and want to make sure we close the gap on them.

“If we can win, it will really set us up for the last six games as it would mean we would drag Sheffield United back into our little pack. When you are being chased, it’s a different feel to being the chaser and our players are certainly looking to claw back the points.

“The boys are ready and up for it and fortune favours the brave.

“It’s a great fixture and one that makes me want to put my boots back on. I was always a big-game player and feel the same as a manager. This is probably one of the most exciting games, if not the most exciting game that I have had.”