Barnsley: Coach backs the Reds to bounce back at the first time of asking

From left to right: Christopher Stern, Andreas Winkler and Daniel Stendel

The Reds’ two-year stay in the second tier was ended on a miserable final day last term.

However, a new coaching regime is in place at Oakwell with German head coach Daniel Stendel replacing the polarising figure of Jose Morais - who was sacked minutes after relegation was confirmed.

And already Stendel’s side are among the favourites to be promoted from League One, with the new boss tasked with taking the Reds straight back up.

The coaching staff have made no secret that they will implement the German attacking, ultra-pressing style, similar to how the Reds played in their last promotion-winning campaign.

And Stern said: “We are getting to know everyone and we are about to get to know the league, but I think as a relegated club we should be as confident to say that we can be successful at the end of the season, and that’s why I’m confident.

“We met the players and they were excited about the new staff and new Head Coach, so I think they’re positive.

“They want to get to know us, like we do. We tested them and they were really motivated and putting hard work in.

“I think the fans are very supportive of the club and that’s a massive advantage for us and our work. We want to make them happy again.

“It’s a new head coach, it’s a new season and it’s a new league. We don’t look at what happened in the past, we look ahead.

“I think they [the fans] can expect high-pressing, attacking, aggressive, hard-working football.

“It could be exhausting for the players, but I was told that the supporters get behind the team if they give 110% and that’s what I aim to do."

A view shared by goalkeeper Adam Davies who is confident the Reds can bounce straight back after last year’s disappointment.

“We’ve got a strong squad and everyone has played in the league above, so we know what it’s about,” said Davies.

“We know what’s needed to get wins and to battle games out.

“There’s a lot of different ways to win, so I think the experience we have can help us out.”

Meanwhile, the club have announced they will hold an Open Day at the club Sunday 29th July, 9.45am - 1pm.

Manager Stendel, his backroom staff and the Reds' squad will have a training session on the Oakwell pitch and then be available for photographs and signing autographs.