When Barnsley were relegated from the Championship last season, you would have forgiven any supporter for being concerned about whether they had enough to compete in the third tier.
With the likes of Luton Town, Charlton Athletic, Sunderland and Portsmouth all threatening to fight it out for automatic promotion, it was clear that the Tykes needed to make a fresh start and so decided to hire Daniel Stendel as their new manager.
Although this move was considered somewhat of a risk considering that the 36-year-old had no previous experience of working in English football, the choice to bring him to Oakwell has paid off massively for the club.
After a bright start to the current campaign, Barnsley stormed into contention for a top-two finish after embarking on a remarkable run of 20 games unbeaten in League One yet a 3-1 defeat to Burton Albion at the start of April threatened to see them fall at the final hurdle.
However, four consecutive victories for Stendel’s men put them back on track as they extended their lead over their nearest challengers Pompey to four points ahead of Kenny Jackett’s side’s clash with Peterborough on Tuesday night.
Despite being favourites to overcome Posh at Fratton Park, the south coast-outfit instead suffered a shock defeat which coupled with Sunderland’s 2-1 loss against Fleetwood Town meant that both Barnsley and Luton Town could no longer be caught this season.
Reacting to the news of their club’s return to the Championship on Twitter, these Barnsley fans were understandably elated.
Someone pinch me, I’m in dream land! Championship here we come!!! You reds!
— Rachel Marr (@RMM1907) 30 April 2019
Outstanding
— Shane Wilkes (@kendraytyke77) 30 April 2019
I love you all.
— Rachel (@rach_daisy2712) 30 April 2019
Congrats everyone and thank you for the best season in decades mega proud to be a red
— aggie arthur (@Aggie206Aggie) 30 April 2019
Saturday is gunna be 1 hell of a party
— daz (@darrensenior1) 30 April 2019
Get in! Now for the league title on Saturday
— Matt Crow (@matt_crow90) 30 April 2019
So excited! Well done B.F.C
— Mrs Evans (@Jaynekelda) 30 April 2019
Never in doubt, unbelievable throughout. Richly deserved, Reds!
— Chris (@cbesq1) 30 April 2019
You reds!!!!!!
— Daniel Laycock (@Daniel1Laycock) 30 April 2019
Well done, you Reds. Been a tough season but we deserve to finish in the Top 2. Championship here we come!
— David M. Brown (@elenchera) 30 April 2019
With promotion now secured, Stendel will be aiming to usurp Luton at the top of the standings on the final day of the 2018/19 campaign.
If the Tykes can better the Hatters’ result on Saturday, they will be crowned champions of the third tier for the first time in 64 years.
