”Gutted” - John McAtee bids goodbye to Barnsley supporters after Bolton Wanderers defeat | OneFootball

The 24-year-old spent the season on loan with the Tykes, signing from Luton Town during the summer market.

He was a key part of the League One side as they competed for promotion back to the Championship.

McAtee made 40 appearances for the Yorkshire outfit during his time on loan at Oakwell, helping the team earn sixth place in the table (all stats from Fbref).

He contributed 12 goals and four assists, but was unable to help the club reach a second consecutive play-off final after last night’s 5-4 aggregate defeat to Bolton Wanderers.

John McAtee issues Barnsley farewell message

McAtee posted to social media a message to supporters following the team’s exit from the play-offs on Tuesday night.

He has expressed his gratitude to the supporters, his teammates and his coaching staff after a successful year spent with the club.

“Gutted the way things ended last night but I’m so proud to be a part of this club this season, from my teammates to the coaching staff and especially the fans,” wrote McAtee, via Twitter.

“Thank you for everything, you reds!”

McAtee joined Luton in the summer of 2022, but re-joined his former side Grimsby Town on loan in his debut campaign at Kenilworth Road.

The Hatters’ promotion to the Premier League led to his departure last summer on loan to League One, as Barnsley looked to build a side capable of promotion to the Championship.

However, a 3-2 win away to Bolton on Tuesday evening was not enough to overcome the 3-1 first leg loss to Ian Evatt’s side.

This eliminated the Tykes from promotion contention, consigning them to another year in the third tier.

Goals from Sam Cosgrove and Adam Phillips had Barnsley dreaming of an incredible comeback after going 5-2 down on aggregate, but the gap ultimately proved insurmountable.

McAtee's Luton future

McAtee will now return to Luton, where his future will likely be decided once the Premier League campaign comes to an end.

Rob Edwards’ side is still fighting for its survival in the top division, but sit 18th in the table with only two games to go.

The gap to Nottingham Forest in 17th is three points, meaning Luton will need to win at least one of their final two games to overcome the gap.

The Hatters face West Ham and Fulham, where they will likely need at least four points to survive due to their inferior goal difference.

McAtee enjoyed successful Barnsley loan stint

The move to Barnsley has worked out quite well for McAtee, even if the club didn’t gain promotion in the end.

He will return to Luton in the summer, and could be of use to Edwards’ squad next year if they are back in the Championship.

The Hatters will surely be eyeing an immediate Premier League return if they do go down, which would be an exciting project for McAtee to be involved with.

However, if they manage to stay up then another loan may be on the cards and McAtee might not be quite ready for playing in the top division just yet.