Barnsley midfielder Alex Mowatt has revealed that Daniel Stendel's sacking as the club's manager was one of the hardest for him to take in his career.

Mowatt had just returned from a season-long loan spell with Oxford United when Stendel was appointed manager at Oakwell in the summer of 2018, with the 24-year-old going on to establish himself as a regular in the Tykes' starting XI.

[freshpress-poll ]

Under Stendel, Mowatt made 60 appearances in all competitions for Barnsley, helping them win promotion from League One at the first time of asking, and it seems the midfielder has been left hurting by the German's sacking earlier this month.

Asked if Stendel's departure had been hard for him to take, Mowatt told The Star: “I would say so. I have been there when the manager has gone quite a lot of times, but under the gaffer, who really believed and trusted in me, it was hard.

“He was a big influence on me last season and this season as well and on quite a lot of the other lads.

“All the fans are gutted that the gaffer left as they like the gaffer and it is gutting for them. But, hopefully, we can get a result for them on Saturday."

Reflecting on the impact Stendel had made on him, Mowatt continued: “He played me every game and I spoke to him quite a lot and he pulled me into the office and spoke to me and I had a good relationship with him. I sent him a text and he rang me when the news had happened.

“I probably would not have played at Barnsley if he was not there last season.”

Stendel left Barnsley following their 5-1 defeat away at Preston in the final game before the October international break, with the club currently 23rd in the Championship and without a win since the opening game of the season.

The Verdict

This feels like an interesting insight from Mowatt into the mood at Barnsley right now.

The response of the club's fans has already highlighted the disappointment they have felt at Stendel's exit, and it appears as though the players may be feeling the same.

Judging by what he has said, Mowatt isn't exactly happy the sacking of their manager, and considering his claim about the impact Stendel had on a number of club's players, you feel he may not be the only one in that position.

It seems therefore, that the pressure is on Barnsley here to make the right appointment as Stendel's replacement, in order to help lift the mood around the club.