Barnsley manager delivers verdict on Aston Villa fans ahead of clash
By Amir Mir
Barnsley manager Paul Heckingbottom has stated that the atmosphere at Aston Villa has been “very good” every time he has visited the stadium.
Heckingbottom will travel down to Villa Park on Tuesday night with his team for a Championship clash against Steve Bruce’s men.
The Midlands club have had a very good record in front of their own supporters this season, losing just once and that was during their last game against Ipswich.
Villa, who have failed to pick up a win in 2017, fell to a late goal against Mick McCarthy’s men as their woes in the second tier continue.
Nonetheless, Tykes boss Heckingbottom had this to say about his opponents and the Villa Park atmosphere as posted by the club’s official Twitter account.
“No matter how we play, they have got match-winners,” said Heckingbottom.”It’ll be tough and their atmosphere has been very good every time I have been.”
Both teams played out a 1-1 draw when they met during the reverse fixture at Oakwell. Bruce’s predecessor, Roberto Di Matteo was in charge for that match as he was sacked the following month.
Back then, Heckingbottom had the likes of Conor Hourihane and James Bree playing for his team.
However, during the January transfer window playmaker, Hourihane and right-back, Bree swapped Yorkshire for the Midlands.
Youngster Bree is currently out injured and might not play in the game, but Hourihane has started every game for Villa since his move.
He has seen his new side suffer three defeats during those matches, conceding six goals and scoring only once.
In other Aston Villa news, supporters want this senior duo axed for Barnsley clash.
We’ve launched an << EXCLUSIVE TRANSFER WINDOW NEWS FEED>>. ‘Like Us’ on Facebook by clicking here if you want 24/7 updates on all Aston Villa transfer news