FLW’s Barnsley fan pundit gives their opinion on the potential return of former manager Daniel Stendel
The ‘Terrace Talk’ series from Football League World features the views of our FLW Fan Pundits on a variety of topics, including teams, players, managers, potential signings, breaking news, and more.
The season has come to a somewhat sad conclusion for Barnsley FC, as they were disappointed not to make the playoffs and had a run of terrible results.
With just one game remaining in the regular season, manager Neill Collins was fired by the Tykes despite the team finishing in a respectable sixth place in League One and earning a spot in the play-offs.
Since then, South Yorkshire has been led by interim manager Martin Devaney, who presided over a devastating loss to Bolton Wanderers in the play-off semifinals.
Many names are currently being floated to take Collins’ place in the dugout permanently. Daniel Stendel, a previous manager and club hero, is reportedly open to coming back to Oakwell the next season. Andy Symcox, a fan of FLW, has shared his ideas with us.
Barnsley FC fan pundit favours Daniel Stendel return
In response to rumours that Stendel had discussions over a possible comeback with the Barnsley administration, Symcox presented his ideas.
He declared: “In my opinion, I would gladly welcome him back because he holds a very significant place in Barnsley’s recent history.
“He was able to unite a fanbase not only behind him but behind the team on the pitch and the squad overall.”
“He had a good number of players sold from under him when we got to the Championship last time,” he continued. “Kieffer Moore, Liam Lindsay, and Ethan Pinnock all went without his approval.” It was really challenging for him.
“But putting that aside, he was very active in Barnsley and would frequently spend a lot of time talking to Barnsley supporters in pubs, seeking to know what drove them.
“For me, with that included, plus all the footballing achievements too, he was a great, great manager and I think we would be fortunate to have him again.”
Stendel return would be ideal for Barnsley
Given Symcox’s positive personal remarks, it goes without saying that if Stendel returns to Barnsley as the rumours suggest, he won’t have any trouble winning over the supporters.
But the fact that he has been promoted and managed a challenging league makes him a perfect addition.
During Stendel’s final season as Barnsley’s manager, the German led the Tykes to a second-place finish and promotion from League One, which included Luton Town, Portsmouth, Sunderland, Coventry City, and Peterborough United.
He would be up against relegated Championship teams like Birmingham City, Rotherham United, and Huddersfield Town this time around, in addition to a revitalised Blackpool and Peterborough.
Even though the teams Barnsley will play in the upcoming season don’t appear nearly as strong as they did in the 2018–19 campaign, a “banana skin” moment could still happen, so Stendel’s potential stability would be ideal for Barnsley as they prepare to push for promotion.
The next managerial appointment for the Tykes may not be announced to Barnsley supporters or the rest of the EFL for some time, but one thing is certain: if the German were to return, Barnsley would be the team to watch out for at the top of League One the next season.
