More to come from JPT winners Barnsley, insists owner Patrick Cryne

The multi-millionaire is a lifelong supporter and watched his hometown club lift the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy in a thrilling final at Wembley on Sunday.

The Reds went through a turbulent time on the field earlier in the campaign, sinking to a record eight league defeats on the spin.

But Cryne’s patient and methodical approach has paid dividends, with one trophy in the cabinet and the prospect of promotion to the Championship a very realistic possibility.

“We had a plan and a playing philosophy, and the challenge for us during that time when we were losing was to stick with the plan,” said Cryne.

“The team we’ve got currently is the basis for a very good team in the future.

“If we can keep key players then we can have a very good side going forward and it can be a very good future for our fans.

“In terms of potential I think we’re a natural club for the Championship and that’s where we should be.

“If we manage to get up this year that would be fantastic, but if we don’t we’ll be in a very strong position to get up next year.

“I like the potential we’ve got and our prospects are good going forward.”

The basis of Barnsley’s team has been built on young talent, academy graduates, and loanees with bags of potential.

The average age of the 18-man squad that secured success on Sunday was under 23.

One of the success stories of the club’s forays into the loan market is Manchester United striker Ashley Fletcher, who got the goal that put the Reds ahead at Wembley.

And the powerful 20-year-old knows that scoring in a final at the national stadium will be a lasting memory.

“You dream of it as a young boy scoring at Wembley, and luckily I’ve been able to do it.

“It’s something I can tell the grandchildren when I’m older.

“I came here to get experience and score goals, I’d like a couple more before the end of the season.”