Barnsley's board of directors have given manager Keith Hill and his backroom staff a ringing endorsement after a promising start to his tenure.

Hill, 42, succeeded Mark Robins as Tykes boss in June after leading previous club Rochdale first to promotion and then to within three points of the League One play-offs.

Barnsley director Don Rowing told Press Association Sport: "Keith came here knowing he was going to be competing against much bigger budgets, but irrespective of that he has an ideology and a business plan, together with [assistant] David Flitcroft.

"They know how to move things forward with players who are not household names, but who are prepared to work hard to achieve success. Keith has the motivational skills, he has a good dressing room and creates the right environment for people to succeed."

The Tykes are currently in 15th place in the table, eight points adrift of the play-offs and 15 clear of the relegation zone.

Rowing added: "When we look at where we are after 29 games Keith and his team really have done a very good job. They're competing against teams with much bigger resources and fan bases. We're delighted with the work he's doing here and long may it continue."