Barnsley caretaker manager, Adam Murray, has spoken about Sheffield United manager, Chris Wilder’s influence on him ahead of Tuesday’s fixture.

Barnsley face a stern test on Tuesday night as they travel to the Hawthorns to face top of the league West Brom. The Tykes currently have Adam Murray in the role of caretaker manager following Daniel Stendel parting company with the club.

Barnsley have endured a tough start to life back in the Championship, with only one win on the board and currently sitting bottom of the table.

Adam Murray has overseen one game for Barnsley since taking over, which was their 1-1 draw with promotion-chasing Swansea City.

Fans were relatively pleased with their side’s performance under Murray after comeback from the Tykes saw them secure a point not many would have predicted for them prior to kick-off.

During his press conference speaking to the club’s official site, Murray spoke about Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United after their surprise win over Arsenal on Monday night, he said: “He is probably the best manager I ever played for. Not just in terms of tactical ability and knowledge, but he was a real players' manager.

“He is someone that, even when I was at Mansfield, he would call me out of the blue and offer me a bit of advice and little bit of praise.

“I spoke to him last week; I should have rung him back on Friday, but I forgot! But having people like that around you is amazing to be able to call upon.

“As a young coach, especially in these situations, it is great to have.”

Adam Murray played for Oxford United between 2008 and 2010 under Chris Wilder in which he is effusive in his praise for the now-Sheffield United boss.

Murray has been alluding to the fact that even though it will be a tough game for Barnsley, underdogs can sometimes spring a shock result, as seen at Bramall Lane on Monday night.

The Verdict

It is positive to see Murray taking managerial inspiration from someone who has coached him in the past, and it would be interesting to see if he tries to emulate any of the tactical aspects of Wilder’s sides.

Barnsley fans probably won’t be expecting miracles from their side as they face the division’s top side on their home patch, but Murray will be keen to see his team put in another strong performance to try build momentum and fight for survival, while potentially securing him the job on a permanent basis.