Barnsley boss Michael Duff lined up for controversial move to Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield
BARNSLEY’S boss Michael Duff is being closely watched by Huddersfield.
The Terriers need a long-term successor to Neil Warnock at the end of the season and Duff, 45, is liked by their incoming regime for his work at the Tykes.
Huddersfield’s chances of appointing Duff are likely to increase if they are in the same division as Barnsley next season or playing at a higher level.
Where both teams are going to be playing their football next season will be decided in the final weeks of the season with Huddersfield in the Championship relegation battle and Barnsley in the League One promotion hunt.
Warnock has guided the Terriers out of the relegation zone following their 3-2 win over Watford on Friday night and will be looking to further boost their survival chances in the coming weeks.
Barnsley will be hoping that Duff can guide them to promotion to the second tier of English football.
The Tykes are now six points adrift of the top two in League One and may have to settle for a place in the play-offs after defeats to Exeter City and Burton Albion in their last three games.
Warnock took over from Mark Fotheringham in February and agreed a deal until the end of the season.
In the nine games that Warnock has overseen he has guided Huddersfield to four victories.
Duff led Cheltenham Town to promotion to League One in 2021 and helped them consolidate their status in the third tier before joining Barnsley last year.
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The 45 year old is on course to guide Barnsley to a top-six finish in League one this season.
One significant hurdle for Huddersfield to overcome if they are to appoint Duff is the compensation they will have to pay to Barnsley with the former Cheltenham manager under contract until 2025 at Oakwell.