Stendel praises Barnsley players despite defeat to Bristol Rovers
Posted Sunday, May 05, 2019 by PA
Daniel Stendel was full of praise for his Barnsley team despite a surprise final day defeat.
Two second-half goals from Rovers winger Alex Rodman confirmed that the Tykes would finish runners-up in Sky Bet League One behind champions Luton after having defender Liam Lindsay set off just before half-time.
But Stendel and his players still received a tremendous ovation from more than 1,100 travelling fans on the pitch until well after the game was over.
Some time later the manager emerged to say: “We have a young group of players and they have surprised even me with what they have achieved.
“They have learned and improved with every single game. At the start of the season, I talked about needing more experience, but the young ones have met every challenge put in front of them.
“That has been particularly the case since Christmas. As the pressure grew to win games and seal promotion they dealt with it really well. Now we look forward to the challenge of Championship football next season.
“Some decisions have gone against us today, but it really doesn’t matter. It has been a very good season for us and it was good to have the chance to celebrate it with our fans.
“I send my congratulations to Luton Town. They are deserving champions.”
Barnsley took a 12th-minute lead through a Kieffer Moore header but were reduced to 10 men when Lindsay, already booked, pulled back Rodman.
It was Rodman who changed the game in the second half, equalising after 71 minutes with a shot that went in off the underside of the crossbar.
Barnsley fought hard with 10 men but were beaten in stoppage time when Rodman volleyed home at the far post from a Liam Sercombe cross.
Rovers boss Graham Coughlan revealed after the game that he expected skipper Tom Lockyer to leave the club this summer.
Coughlan said: “Tom wants to seek a new challenge in a higher division to pursue his international career.
“I want him to stay, but I have told him to go and see what is out there. I wish he would stay one more year, but I am realistic.
“He can walk away on a free transfer, having given us eight great years. In a way, I hope he doesn’t get what he wants, but I wish him well.”
Coughlan admitted disappointment at the news that his old club Plymouth had been relegated from League One.
Bookmakers have installed him as one of the favourites to succeed Derek Adams at Home Park.
But the Irishman said: “At the moment I am not thinking beyond some relaxation with my family before planning to build on the progress made here.
“This group of players have climbed mountains for me since I took charge and I thank them all for that.”
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