Barnsley: Lloyd Isgrove's mission for new Reds season

The former Southampton midfielder felt helpless during last season’s relegation after a string of injuries and falling out of favour with then-boss Jose Morais limited him to just 17 appearances.

However, it is a fresh start this term with German manages Daniel Stendel replacing the Morais who was sacked after relegation was confirmed on the final day of the season.

Stendel wants to fire the Reds back to the Championship with a philosophy which should suit the former Saint.

Isgrove said: “With regards to injury, I’m fully fit, which is good. I’ve been back in full training.

“I had lots of little niggles [last season] and I just started to get going and then there was a change of manager.

“He [Jose Morais] came in and I was out of favour, so it was really hard to get going and get any games in a row.

“When I was playing in games earlier in the season, we were doing quite well, so when we started losing games and not doing well it was frustrating because I couldn’t help the boys.

“It was tough, but we’ve just got to put that behind us now and going again this season and get back to where we want to be.

“When the season ended everyone was gutted and unfortunately I couldn’t affect anything, which is even more painful for me.

“But I put that (disappointment) out of the way, did some good work over the summer and got in good shape - and I can’t wait to get going now.”

The Reds have returned from their pre-season tour to Hungary where Stendel and his coaching staff put the players through their paces with an intensive training camp.

Stendel’s side ended the tour with a 1-1 draw against Budaörsi SC and return to England to host Championship club West Brom on Tuesday night.

It will be a good test to see just where the Reds are at ahead of their tilt for League One promotion.

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