Ritchie Still Eyes Top Two

Last updated : 22 March 2006 By Rob Miles (barnsley Boy)

Barnsley boss Andy Ritchie believes the club can still secure promotion to the Championship next season through the automatic promotion places.

Brentford's shock 3-2 defeat at struggling Gillingham last night leaves Barnsley in 6th place in League One but just 3 points behind the 2nd place Bees, having played a game more.

In fact Barnsley even move into 2nd place on Saturday if they beat Bournemouth by say a 2-0 score line and all from 2nd to 5th lose ( big ask I know) Ritchie though is confident as he told www.bbc.co.uk/football:

"Six or seven wins from our last eight games is a big ask but that might just get us to second - you never know," Ritchie told BBC Sport.

"But if we make the play-offs, it will still have been a superb season."

Ritchie has today again ruled out making a loan signing before tomorrow's deadline and stated Nathan Jarman is now likely to stay at the club with Tommy Wright suspended for Saturday.