Barnsley FC caretaker manager Adam Murray has today revealed that both Chris Stern and Dale Tonge will remain at Oakwell, as confirmed by Leon Wobschall. 

Dale Tonge started his footballing career at Barnsley, and was appointed assistant manager to Daniel Stendel in February this year during their bid to get promoted from League One. Chris Stern was also part of Stendel’s coaching staff, and will remain part of the team when the new manager is employed.

Barnsley secured promotion to the Championship after going on a brilliant run of wins, so the club opted to offer Tonge a new contract this summer, as he played a pivotal part in the coaching of the players, alongside manager Stendel.

Stern is a 26-year-old coach that worked closely with the German manager. He shared very similar views on the style of football they both wanted to implement at Barnsley. High-press, quick, attacking football - the Tykes were a joy to watch at times last season.

With Barnsley not close to appointing a new manager, perhaps they weren’t expecting Stendel’s resignation. It’s somewhat surprising that his staff will stay on, despite him leaving.

The Verdict

It’s a real shame to see Stendel’s tenure turn it like it did. Just look at what Daniel Farke has done at Norwich with time. Stendel could’ve done something similar, with time and money.

He clearly built a positive, growing relationship with the supporters, who liked his attacking brand of football. Stendel had a very good, young squad last season that deserved to win promotion. The squad needed work to compete in the Championship, but he had built foundations that could’ve went to special places in time.

Tonge is Barnsley through and through, and is a great man to keep at the club. Whilst Stern will look to carry on what Stendel left, aiming to keep Barnsley playing the expansive brand of football that Stendel brought to England.

I’m sure the German will be back in England very soon; clubs will of taken notice of the brilliant relationship he built with the Barnsley supporters and the football his side were playing in League One. A club will put big trust in him to transform their club, and it could well be a masterstroke.