Daniel Stendel speaks after being re-appointed as Barnsley’s new head coach

Daniel Stendel speaks after being re-appointed as Barnsley’s new head coach, signing an initial two-year deal.

The 52 year old guided the club to promotion from League One in 2019 before being sacked, following a run of ten games without a win. His departure sparked widespread criticism of the board.

He has since gone on to manage Scottish club Hearts, French outfit Nancy, and returned to Germany side Hannover 96 to manage their reserve team.

The journey is not over. pic.twitter.com/IYx2EIQF2f

— Barnsley FC (@BarnsleyFC) May 12, 2026

He’s home. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/t3iWORkUUs

— Barnsley FC (@BarnsleyFC) May 12, 2026

Daniel Stendel returns as First Team Head Coach on a two-year deal, with a further year Club option!

🔗

— Barnsley FC (@BarnsleyFC) May 12, 2026

CLUB STATEMENT:

Barnsley Football Club is delighted to confirm the return of Daniel Stendel as First Team Head Coach.
Stendel makes his return to Oakwell after an historic first spell in charge, most notably guiding the Reds to automatic promotion from Sky Bet League One while remaining unbeaten at home across an entire league campaign.

Renowned for his high-intensity, pressing style of play, the German returns on a two-year deal, and an additional Club option year, with a clear philosophy that reflects the ambitions of the board, players and supporters alike – delivering attacking football, developing young talent and re-establishing a strong identity in League One.

During the 2018/19 campaign, the Reds recorded the best defensive record in the EFL, while scoring 80 league goals and accumulating 91 points, including 53 at Oakwell.

Led by a youthful squad featuring Alex Mowatt, Liam Lindsay, Ethan Pinnock and Jacob Brown – all aged between 20 and 23 at the time – Stendel’s side combined results with development, laying the foundations for players who would go on to establish successful Championship and Premier League careers.

Chairman, Neerav Parekh added: “Daniel’s return is about results on the pitch and identity. During his first spell, the Club stood for high intensity football, belief in young players and a team that supporters could fully connect with.

“That season produced outstanding performances, an unbeaten home league campaign and a group of young players who grew together and went on to reach the highest levels of the game.

“We want to re-establish that same connection between the fans, the town and the Football Club – a Barnsley side that plays with energy, bravery and pride. Daniel understands what this Club means to people, and his values align completely with the direction we want to take moving forward.

“He demands relentless effort and a desire never to give up from his players – values we stand firmly behind as a Club and a town.”

Daniel Stendel said: “I am absolutely delighted to be back at Barnsley Football Club. This is a place that means a great deal to me, and I’m really looking forward to reconnecting with old friends while also getting to know new faces around the Club and in the town. I can’t wait to get back to work and start this next chapter together.”

Here’s how fans reacted as Daniel Stendel speaks after being re-appointed as Barnsley’s new head coach…

@antclare78: Very very happy about this. An actual sign of intent that we want to go up… Now back him and let’s get oakwell rocking again.. ♥️

@archie76084: Weve got daniel stendal 😍😍😍😍😍

@Lewis1887_: I really don’t think this is going to work out as well as people think. He’s got a much worse squad to work with and less money to spend. Looks like the board are bringing back another fan favourite to sell season tickets

@bfcharri: If he’s not backed and doesn’t succeed than the board will really lose the fanbase. A proven winner at this level, incredible at developing young players and plays fast attacking football. Uproar if he’s not backed properly.

@NoahhWilson: Fair play you’ve got me back interest with the club, now fucking back him and take us up

@rubesbfc: the one manager in my lifetime that i’ve felt emotional about. welcome back my king 👑

@alexfrancis04: Shivers down my spine 🥹

@bfcalfie10: Welcome home Daniel you beautiful man 😍😍

@KieranBarrett96: NOW BACK HIM

@Zak_Watson_26: League one will never have seen the likes of the annihilation we are about to give it

@reecebfc05: Get in, welcome back. Could be a really good appointment this but only if things are the top change and he’s backed. 🔴⚪

@ibboryan: Buzzing with this. Really hope this works out just as well as before

@Bambitoooo: Please for the love of god back the fucker. Was bad enough seeing CH be dragged through by the board, I cannot bear to see this man dragged by them. Deserves all the backing you can physically give the man.

@3lijah29: I’m not getting carried away. Cynic would say it’s another move to get fans on side, and no doubt that is a possibility. Could be worse though, all we can do is back him and see how he gets on this time around!