Michael Duff: 'I couldn't ask for any more'
The Barnsley boss praises his players for their efforts in the League One play off final
Last updated 30th May 2023
Barnsley manager Michael Duff describes the League One play off final as heart-breaking.
His side lost against Sheffield Wednesday - they conceded with the last action of extra time as the Owls achieved promotion to the Championship with a 1-nil win at Wembley.
Speaking after the game, Reds boss Michael Duff reflected with pride on what had been an energy-sapping 120 minutes for his players:
"Football is a cruel game, and frustration is the over-riding emotion I'm feeling right now.
"My players gave absolutely everything, they did everything they could and so I'm gutted for all of them.
"We've come out on the wrong end of a couple of decisions today, and that just adds to the frustration.
"With 11 men we would have grown more into the game, and although there's no guarantee we would even have gone on to win on penalties, I think that would have been a fairer way to lose.
"Credit to Sheffield Wednesday and Darren Moore. They got 96 points in the regular season, but I don't think they were the better team today."
Duff then expanded on the Phillips red card decision and also a potential penalty award that went begging.
"Adam's was a mis-timed tackle and a bit foolish," added Duff.
"But there was no intent there so it was maybe a yellow card at worst.
"I've had plenty of text messages since the game saying it was a harsh red card, and many of them from people I totally trust in the game.
"We've also not had a penalty all season, and we've been denied what should have been one in the biggest game of all."
"To get beat like that ….. there was no guarantee we would have won the penalties but it's tough. It's tough for a young group to deal with. But in terms of my point of view I couldn't ask for any more. I'm just gutted for them. You can see the tears afterwards cos they're young lads - they gave absolutely everything. It's a tough one to take."