Daniel Stendel is set to make a return to English football, as he leaves his role as U23 coach at Hannover 96 to take over at League One side Barnsley. The 52-year-old has signed a contract with the Tykes until 2028, with an option for an additional year. His appointment is effective from next season, and he aims to replicate the success of his previous stint at the club. Hannover 96 have agreed to release Stendel from his original contract, which was valid until 2027, following mutual and cooperative talks.
Stendel first joined Barnsley in summer 2018 after his promotion to professional coach at Hannover 96. He immediately guided the Reds to promotion to the Championship, with the team remaining unbeaten at home throughout that entire league season. However, the step up proved challenging, and after just one win in the first 11 matches of the 2019–20 season, Stendel was dismissed. In 66 games across his first spell, he averaged 1.7 points per game.
After less successful stints at Hearts and AS Nancy, Stendel returned to Hannover in 2022 to take charge of the reserve team. In 2024, he led the U23 side to promotion to the 3. Liga for the first time, though they were unable to retain their place. Across 143 matches under his guidance, Hannover’s young talents averaged 1.63 points per game. Developing young players will also be a key focus at Barnsley, alongside a return to attacking football and building a strong identity. Since relegation from the Championship in 2022, Barnsley have gradually dropped down the League One standings, finishing fourth, sixth, and then 15th in successive seasons.
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Barnsley chairman Neerav Parekh highlighted the importance of the return: “Daniel’s return is about results on the pitch and about identity. During his first tenure, the club represented high-intensity football, trust in young players, and a team the fans could fully identify with. We want to restore that connection between the fans, the city, and the football club—a Barnsley team that plays with energy, courage, and pride. Daniel understands what this club means to the people, and his values align perfectly with the direction we want to take. He demands relentless effort and a never-say-die attitude from his players—values that we as a club and as a city stand for.”
Stendel expressed his excitement: “I’m absolutely delighted to be back at Barnsley FC. This place means a lot to me, and I’m really looking forward to seeing old friends again, as well as meeting new faces at the club and in the town. I can’t wait to get back to work and start this next chapter together.”
Reflecting on his second spell in Hannover, he added: “Quite a few people said four years ago that returning to the 96 academy would be a step backward for me. But that’s not true. We made great progress in the development of the academy, both in terms of performance and perception. In football, there are moments when you just know the time is right for a change. And now is that time. I’m very much looking forward to the new task from summer, but I look back on the last four years with pride.”
Hannover 96 have already begun searching for a new U23 coach.
