Barnsley: Stevie Mallan reveals reasons behind Oakwell exit

The creative midfielder joined the Barnsley ranks last summer, but has returned to his homeland only a year after moving down south.

Mallan penned a four-year deal at Hibernian last week as he tries to enhance his chances of an international call-up.

The Scot failed to make his mark on the Championship, struggling to feature in the plans of first Paul Heckingbottom and then replacement Jose Morais - making just nine appearances - during a sorry campaign last season.

And 24-year-old Mallan admitted: “I didn’t get much game time last year and I want to be back playing.

“I’d like to say a massive thank you to all the players, staff and fans at Barnsley.

“I wish them all the best for the season ahead and getting back to where they belong.

“The recruitment team at Hibs and the gaffer made me feel really wanted, which made me feel that this was the ideal place for me.

“It’s an exciting move for me – the club obviously had a good season last year and I want to be a part of that moving forward.”

Mallan was the third player after Christoph Knasmullner and Matty Pearson, to be sold by the club during a transitional summer.

New boss Daniel Stendel wants to put his own hallmark on the squad and more outgoings are expected before the Reds start to bring players in.

Tom Bradshaw could be the next player to exit Oakwell, with a host of Championship clubs chasing the striker.

The Welsh international kicked off his pre-season campaign with a brace as the Reds beat Gainsborough Trinity over the weekend.

Millwall are the favourites to land the 25-year-old hitman, with the Reds already knocking back a bid from the club.

Bolton and Reading have also been linked with making a move for the former Walsall marksman, who only has a year remaining on his deal at Oakwell.