Barnsley v Birmingham
The FA Youth Cup sponsored by E.ON
Fifth Round
7pm, Wednesday 31 January 2007
Oakwell

Barnsley's caretaker Academy manager Dave Hancock is hoping to sign off in style with a win against Birmingham City in the Fifth Round of The FA Youth Cup this evening.

Hancock, the current Academy operations director, stepped in after Simon Davey was promoted to first team coach in November last year and steered the club past Derby in a thrilling penalty shoot-out win in the last round.

And with the club due to appoint a new youth boss this week, Hancock wants to end his brief stint in charge with a memorable win.

"At Derby, I thought we were magnificent," Hancock said. "It was a fantastic game. They scored late on to make it 3-3 and take the game to penalties, which we won 9-8.

"Both sides were excellent and played out a great game for the fans, but it wasn't good for the ticker, I must admit. I am hoping for more of that tonight.

"We have a new Academy manager taking over next week so this will be my last game - my swansong. If I had left after the Derby game I would be a hero."

With the senior side fighting for their Championship lives, Hancock called on his youngsters to give the whole club a lift as they did with the dramatic win in the last round - and set up a trip to Manchester United.

He added: "The Derby game was important for the club because at the time we all needed a lift.

"The first team have been struggling a bit this season and I said to the lads the club needed them and they rose to the occasion.

"Afterwards we had loads of calls and e-mails from fans saying they would never be able to find entertainment like that for a pound ever again.

"We would love to get Manchester United in the next round, but we need to get through this one first."