Barnsley might still have won just once so far this season, but Keith Hill is happy with how things are progressing and says there is "light at the end of the tunnel".
The Tykes have now gone four games unbeaten and, having lost their first three matches, there has been a big improvement in a short space of time.
Last weekend's 1-1 home draw with Watford was another step in the right direction and that result has lifted Barnsley up to 17th in the Championship, and it could have been even better, as those looking at
Betfairfootball.com will know.
Tykes fans will feel they could have got maximum points from both last Saturday's clash with the Hornets and the previous home game against Leicester, which also finished 1-1.
Hill though is happy enough and, having made big changes to personnel in the summer, believes he is now stamping his "own identity" on the squad.
The manager said: "I can see the progress we're making, not just on the training pitch but in matches. It's encouraging and I'm enthusiastic about the future and where we can go."
So where can Barnsley go? Well the play-offs look a bridge to far for a first term in charge at this level for the manager and a lack of experience in the squad. Those following the
Lee Dixon tips should bear this in mind.
But the board will be pleased with a mid-table finish and if the Tykes are safe from the drop with a couple of weeks to spare, then that will surely be job done and a platform to build on.
Barnsley will be further tested in the next week, as they face two tough looking away trips to the Midlands. It's Birmingham up first on Saturday, before a clash with Derby at Pride Park next midweek.
