Barnsley: Reds confirm departure of defender Matty Pearson after just one season at Oakwell

The versatile defender, who can play at either full-back of at the heart of the defence, joined the Reds from Accrington Stanley last summer for a fee in the region of £500,000.

However, the 24-year-old made just 19 appearances for the club last term and penned a three-year deal at League One rivals Luton Town yesterday.

Pearson wanted regular first-team football and The Star understands the Reds have a sell-on clause in the deal as well as pocketing a profit for the player.

Chief Executive Gauthier Ganaye said: “Despite him being here just a short time, Matty was a great lad around the club and we feel this is a mutually beneficial move.

“It was in our interests to get a good deal, which we certainly have done by making a profit on the player and also retaining an interest in his future.

“We’ve made the decision because Matty is wanting to play week in, week out this season, which we can understand and we were happy to satisfy that need.”

Pearson became the second player to leave Oakwell this summer after Christoph Knasmullner returned to Austria, with Rapid Vienna, after playing just 119 minutes for the club following his January move from Admira Wacker.

Meanwhile, new boss Daniel Stendel hopes a new lease of life can be the catalyst behind Barnsley’s promotion bid.

The Reds returned to pre-season training this week after their disappointing Championship relegation last term.

Portugal’s Jose Morais was shown the door after defeat on the final day condemned the club to League One football.

Former Hannover 96 boss Stendel has been given the reigns and is tasked with leading the promotion assault.

Stendel said: “I hope that my energy and the motivation of the coaching staff will pull the club to a more prospective future than what happened last season.

“Having seen the set-up and infrastructure of the stadium I feel already that there is a lot of energy within the club.

“I’m looking forward to working properly with the players and I hope the players are open minded and motivated to work with a new head coach.

“I am happy with the faith, trust and belief shown to me from everyone here in advance of me starting the role.”

Stendel is embarking on his first managerial role outside of his native Germany and has promised the faithful fans an attacking style of play.

The players were put through their paces in the searing heat with some rigorous testing at the club’s Oakwell training ground.

They have a recovery day today, before continuing their pre-season programme tomorrow morning [Thursday].

And defender Jason McCarthy, who joined the Reds from Southampton last summer, said: “It’s nice to have the ball back at my feet and I’m ready to hit the ground running.

“It’s great to be back with the lads. We’ve had some really tough days of testing, but I’m feeling strong.”

Meanwhile, former Barnsley striker Chris O’Grady has become a free agent after terminating his contract at Vanarama National League club Chesterfield by mutual consent.

O’Grady, who scored 21 goals during his time at Oakwell, also previously plied his trade at South Yorkshire clubs Rotherham United, Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United.