Our League One lowdown continues as we take a look at Sunderland’s 2018-19 opposition.
Next up, we put Barnsley under the microscope…
2017-18: THE STORY
Like Sunderland, Barnsley endured a 2017-18 campaign to forget, as the Reds were relegated from the Sky Bet Championship on the final day of the season. A 2-0 win over Brentford in their penultimate outing saw them enter the final day with their fate in their own hands, but a 4-1 defeat to play-off chasing Derby County, and results elsewhere, saw them drop into the third tier.
STADIUM: OAKWELL
Oakwell has been Barnsley’s home since 1888. With a capacity of 23,009, the stadium is the fifth largest in Sky Bet League One next season. The record attendance was registered in February of 1936, as 40,255 spectators saw the Reds beat Stoke City 2-1 in an FA Cup fifth round tie. Away fans are housed in the north stand which has a usual allocation of 2,000, although this can be extended to 4,700.
MANAGER: DANIEL STENDEL
The Tykes immediately parted company with Jose Morais following their relegation, with Daniel Stendel coming in as his replacement. The German coach made 180 league appearances for Hannover 96 as a player, and his first managerial role saw him take charge of the club between April 2016 and March 2017. Upon his arrival, the Barnsley website stated he will bring a high intensity, attacking style of football by using a counter-pressing system.
TOP SCORER: TOM BRADSHAW
Wales international Tom Bradshaw top scored for Barnsley last season, with the striker finding the back of the net on 12 occasions. Born in Shrewsbury, Bradshaw started his career with Aberystwyth Town before moving to the Shrews and making over 80 appearances. The forward continued to develop his game in the lower leagues with Walsall, but he moved to Oakwell following a League One play-off final defeat against his new club. In 79 league appearances he’s struck 17 goals, and after a credible Championship season he’ll be gunning for double figures once again.
LAST MEETING: SUNDERLAND 0-1 BARNSLEY
It was an unhappy New Year on Wearside as Chris Coleman’s men opened 2018 with a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Barnsley. Ethan Pinnock scored the only goal in a frustrating game at the Stadium of Light, as the Tykes clinched their first league win in 11 games. Barnsley also emerged victorious in the earlier meeting between the two sides, with Ike Ugbo, Harvey Barnes and George Moncur striking in a comfortable 3-0 win at Oakwell in August 2017. In other words, it's time to make amends.