When Valerien Ismael was appointed as the new Barnsley head coach last October, the Tykes sat 21st in the Championship. Since then, only Norwich and Brentford have won more points than the South Yorkshire team.
Gerhard Struber had started the season in the dug-out at Oakwell. He guided the club to Championship safety on the final day of the 2019/20 season, when the Tykes scored an injury-time winner away to Brentford. However, he departed the Reds for New York Red Bulls in the MLS. Struber felt aggrieved at the lack of ambition shown by those at the top of the club’s hierarchy.
The influence of Valerien Ismael at Barnsley
It’s safe to say, Ismael’s side is showing no lack of ambition, as the Tykes recorded a club record seventh-straight victory in the second-tier on Saturday. Daryl Dike scored the crucial goal in a 1-0 home win over Birmingham City- this left the Reds sat in the last playoff spot ahead of a home match against Derby tomorrow evening.
Barnsley’s first Championship victory didn’t arrive until gameweek eight when they defeated QPR 3-0. The Reds had previously recorded four draws and three defeats in the league, resulting in many fans preparing themselves for another relegation battle this season.
The Frenchman’s influence on a youthful and energetic side cannot be underestimated. Callum Styles and Callum Brittain have flourished under Ismael’s philosophy of high-energy pressing of opponents and direct style-of-play.
The South Yorkshire sides progress over recent months was recently highlighted by their narrow 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in the FA Cup. After losing 6-0 against the same opposition earlier this season in the Carabao Cup.
Promotion to the Premier League?
The club has previously played in the Premier League- this came in 1997/98. They eventually got relegated after finishing 19th and have suffered mixed fortunes ever since.
With 12 games left for Ismael’s team this season and some favourable fixtures ahead, you would not bet against them securing a playoff position. The addition of Carlton Morris from Norwich City seems a very astute piece of January business. The striker has scored four goals already.
If the side from Oakwell do secure a place in the play-offs, they will fancy themselves, despite the ‘underdog’ label. Although, the significance of even achieving a top-half finish would far outweigh the initial objectives at the start of the campaign. Ismael will remain focused on the next fixture. With Derby up-next, Barnsley aim to extend their winning streak to eight games.
The Championship Crowd Podcast
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