“A great, great manager” – Barnsley backs Oakwell reunion with Neill Collins’ replacement
FLW’s Barnsley fan pundit discusses the likely comeback of former manager Daniel Stendel.
Barnsley’s season ended in disappointment, with a poor run of form and manager Collins’ dismissal.
Interim manager Devaney failed to guide the squad to playoff victory, fueling speculation about Stendel’s return.
Fans are optimistic about Stendel’s prospective comeback because of his previous success and deep connection to the club.
This post is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which features personal comments from FLW Fan Pundits on breaking news, teams, players, managers, possible signings, and more.
Barnsley FC had a dreadful conclusion to the season, with a run of poor form combined with play-off disappointment.
The Tykes ended in a respectable sixth place in League One, allowing them to participate in the play-offs, but a poor run of form saw manager Neill Collins ousted with one game remaining in the regular season.
Since then, the South Yorkshire side has been led by interim manager Martin Devaney, who witnessed a humiliating defeat to Bolton Wanderers in the play-off semi-finals.
With numerous candidates vying for Collins’ permanent position in the dugout, former manager and club hero Daniel Stendel has been said to be interested in returning to Oakwell next season, and FLW’s fan commentator Andy Symcox has offered his opinions.
Barnsley FC fan commentator supports Daniel Stendel’s homecoming.
Following indications that Stendel had spoken with the Barnsley hierarchy about a possible comeback, Symcox discussed a possible reunion with Stendel.
He stated, “I’d welcome him back with open arms because he holds a very special place in Barnsley’s recent history for me.”
“He was able to unite a fanbase not only behind him but behind the team on the pitch and the squad overall.”
He added: “When we went to the Championship previously, he had a lot of players sold from under him, including Ethan Pinnock, Liam Lindsay, and Kieffer Moore, who all left without his permission. It was quite difficult for him.
“However, aside from that, he spent a lot of time in Barnsley and would frequently spend time with Barnsley supporters in pubs, conversing with them and learning what made them tick.
“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’s return would be fantastic for Barnsley.
It goes without saying that if Stendel does return to Barnsley as reported, he will undoubtedly receive fan acceptance, as seen by Symcox’s warm personal sentiments.
However, what makes him an attractive candidate is his expertise navigating a difficult league and achieving promotion.
Stendel led Barnsley to second place and promotion from League One, where they competed with Portsmouth, Sunderland, Coventry City, Peterborough United, and Luton Town.
This time, he’d have to play demoted Championship sides Birmingham City, Rotherham United, and Huddersfield Town, as well as resurgent Blackpool and Peterborough.
While it can be argued that the teams Barnsley will face next season are not nearly as daunting as the 2018/19 season, the possibility of a ‘banana skin’ moment remains, and the stability that Stendel could potentially bring would be ideal, allowing Barnsley to lay the groundwork for a promotion push.
