Barnsley could look to Europe once again as Gerhard Struber departs for MLS

In contrast to the terse statement issued by the Reds following the exit of Daniel Stendel on October 8, 2019, the club were more effusive in praise of the work done by Struber, who has completed his expected move to the Major League Soccer franchise New York Red Bulls.

Just like last October, Adam Murray will again take interim charge while the club consider candidates to replace Struber, who arrived from Austrian outfit Wolfsberger AC last November.

While the club were quick to hail the work of Struber – more especially for overseeing the club’s ‘Great Escape’ from relegation in 2019-20 – tensions over recruitment clearly played a part in his decision to leave.

Similar issues were also evident in the relationship between the board and Stendel and another of his Reds predecessors in Paul Heckingbottom in the latter stages of their respective tenures.

It promises to a pivotal time at Oakwell in the next few weeks with the club assigned with bringing in some key signings ahead of the domestic transfer deadline on October 16 and finalising their search for a new head coach.

Given that the decisions to go continental to bring in Struber and Stendel worked so well in the duo’s first season in charge, the smart money is on the club reprising that strategy.

Former target Hannes Wolf is one name again linked with the post, but he only recently started work in Germany’s Under-18 set-up after leaving Racing Genk.

Given Reds chief executive officer Dane Murphy’s contacts in the MLS, some coaches with experience in the States may also come under scrutiny.

On the exit of Struber, who will start work in New York when he receives his US work visa, Murphy said: “I must start by thanking Gerhard for the last 11 months. Tasked with maintaining the club’s Championship status, he took a difficult position at Oakwell last November.

“Despite the seven-point deficit and Covid-19, his belief never wavered and the night at Brentford will live long in the memory of all supporters.

“As much as we wanted Gerhard to remain, we were not in a position to deny him this opportunity with a buy-out clause in his contract and his connection within the Red Bull set-up.

“Looking towards the immediate future, the recruitment process for a replacement has already begun and we will update supporters when appropriate. In the interim, Adam Murray will take charge of first-team matters.

“This club has good people across numerous departments that will do their utmost to assist Adam.”

On his move to New York, Struber said: “I am looking forward to getting to know my new team, hopefully very soon.

“We want to pursue very ambitious goals together and develop steadily. The challenge of working in MLS makes me proud and gives me massive motivation for a big opportunity.”

Deadline-day signing Jack Aitchison, 20, has joined Stevenage on loan for the rest of the season.

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