Finally, Daniel Stendel is back in Barnsley.
The popular German’s name was in the frame in each of the last two years before Darrell Clarke and then Hourihane were appointed at Oakwell.
It didn’t happen, for various reasons, but after a lengthy period of discussions over recent weeks involving Barnsley, Stendel, and his current employers Hannover 96, terms have finally been agreed.
It’s unsurprising the Reds have turned once again to the man who masterminded their automatic promotion to the Championship in 2018-19 – in the first season outside his homeland, as either a player or a coach – before the step up to the second tier became a step too far.
It was exciting, it was rock and roll football, it was built on youth and high pressing with a strong, defensive base.
It’s what the club’s hierarchy want back after seeing five straight years of decline from the Championship play-offs in 2021 to 15th in League One this season, with apathy growing while attendances fall.
But while there is undoubted excitement among the Barnsley fanbase about Stendel’s return, given the positive relationship they enjoyed previously, that excitement comes with caveats, principally around the backing the German will receive in his bid for repeated success.
The Reds squad has gradually got weaker over the past few years, with a succession of head coaches asked to deliver results under tightening budgets, as the club seek to operate in a more sustainable way.
And Stendel is not walking into a newly relegated Championship side this time, with quality and potential at more of a premium than in 2018.
The Reds do have exciting young talent in midfield, notably Patrick Kelly and Reyes Cleary, but the defence was a shambles in 2025-26 – only bottom side Northampton conceded more – and the club don’t have a contracted senior striker, with 18-goal top scorer David McGoldrick in demand at the end of his one-year deal.
Barnsley are a club in desperate need of hope, energy and togetherness, both on and off the pitch.
First time round, Daniel Stendel was known for enjoying a beer or two with the Reds fans. If he brings success back to the club, he’ll probably never have to buy a pint in the town again.
