Barnsley FC told why re-appointing Daniel Stendel is a 'positive move' | OneFootball

Barnsley are in talks to bring Daniel Stendel back to the club as they prepare for the 2026/27 season.

Barnsley endured a disappointing 2025/26 campaign, with the club finishing in the bottom half of League One.

That was underwhelming for the Tykes, and boss Conor Hourihane has already left the club, with the announcement coming in April.

Despite Barnsley’s struggles, there was some sympathy for Hourihane, as it was widely acknowledged that he didn’t receive the backing he would’ve expected to try and have the team competing for the play-offs.

Barnsley in talks to bring Daniel Stendel back to Oakwell

So, the spotlight is on the hierarchy as they try to make their next move, and it has been reported that a return to the club for Daniel Stendel is on the cards.

The German joined Barnsley in 2018, and he enjoyed a fantastic first season at the club, as they won promotion with 91 points, and he created a stylish team that played with real drive and intensity.

Stendel was also a popular figure due to how he embraced the local community, so there was sadness when he lost his job just months into the following season in the Championship.

Since then, the 52-year-old has had spells with Hearts and Nancy, before taking on his current role in charge of Hannover’s U23 side in 2022.

Given his mixed record since, some may see Stendel going back to Oakwell as a risk, but when quizzed about the prospect of this appointment, Barnsley fan pundit Andy Symcox admitted he would be ‘thrilled’ if it was finalised, although he did highlight one area of concern.

“I personally would be thrilled with the return of Stendel if it happens.

“He was a breath of fresh air to a club who had just been relegated and were in the doldrums, and he turned it around with exciting, attacking, high-pressing football that was a joy to watch.

“He improved players considerably, with some going on to have excellent careers, with Ethan Pinnock just one of those.

“Not only did Stendel change the fortunes on the pitch, he did the same in the town, often seen on his bike and in bars and cafes watching football with the fans.

“The following season, when he was sacked, he had seen the spine of his team sold. Adam Davies, Pinnock, Liam Linsdsay, midfielders went and Kieffer Moore, our main striker. They were inadequately replaced.

“His attacking style of football did result in weaker defending, and that’s a problem we have had this season with only Northampton conceding more goals in League One, so that would need to be addressed.

“However, as a football fan, I’d be happy to see us win 3-2 over 1-0, as long as we’re winning, but the defence does need sorting out, so he would need assistant coaches who are well versed on the defensive side of the game.

“I believe most fans would welcome Stendel with open arms, and get behind him. I see it as a positive move rather than a desperate one. My understanding is we’ve tried to get him back in recent years, but for a variety of reasons we were unable to do so.

“I wish him the very, very best, and I look forward to next season a lot more than I did a few weeks ago!”

Barnsley must back Daniel Stendel in the transfer market this summer

You can understand why Barnsley fans will be excited about the prospect of Stendel returning to the club, because he had the team playing superb football during his first spell, and he obviously has a promotion at this level on his CV.

But, the reality is that this is a different team, and it certainly doesn’t have the quality that Stendel had eight years ago.

So, even if Stendel could improve the current group, which you would expect him to do, they would still need a productive transfer window as they identify players to suit his specific demands.

If the board do give him sufficient support, then this could turn out to be a reunion that suits all parties, and Stendel will quickly have the fans on board as he tries to replicate the success he enjoyed the first time around.