Barnsley coach Gerhard Struber has revealed that he has held talks with defender Tony Sibbick over potentially loaning him out this month.

The Tykes are currently performing very well under new head coach Gerhard Struber, who has settled into the job brilliantly in the Championship, as he nears closer to guiding Barnsley towards safety.

Having joined the club in November, Struber’s coaching style has revitalised the squad and turned around their form to the point where they are just a point away from safety in the Championship.

At present, the Tykes are currently operating with Mads Andersen and Bambo Diaby at the heart of defence along with Joe Williams coming in at right-back, meaning that there has been little opportunity for Tony Sibbick to come into the lineup under Struber.

The 20-year-old has featured 18 times in the league this season which would appear on face-value that he has been an important member of the team, but he has only played 120 minutes of football since Struber was appointed at Oakwell, coming in just two appearances.

Speaking ahead of the trip to Bristol City, Struber revealed that he has held talks with Sibbick over a potential move away from the club this month. He stated (as quoted by Doug O’Kane): “Toby is a talent but it is not easy for him with no game time. 

“We speak with him about a situation for a loan. We have had a good exchange with him.”

The verdict

It’s clear that Sibbick is not part of Struber’s immediate plans at Oakwell and a loan move away could be very beneficial for him going forward beyond just this season.

Struber has managed to get a strong picture of his side in the few months he has been in charge and the system he has implemented is showing all the signs of providing success at Barnsley this season.