BY common consent, Daniel Stendel's new-look Barnsley side remain a work in progress and are likely to remain so for several weeks yet.

The smart money is on the Reds taking a couple of months to get fully up to speed with Stendel's intense, high-energy style, especially since their squad overall is only partially completed.

For the German, it's about small wins at the moment and the Reds' fitness levels at the start of what promises to be a transitional season do at least augur well, in his opinion.

That is likely to be further tested in a high-octane derby at Doncaster Rovers on Saturday lunchtime. Barnsley have won on their last two competitive visits there.

Barnsley boss Daniel Stendel, pictured in his first spell at the club. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

placeholder image — Barnsley boss Daniel Stendel, pictured in his first spell at the club. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

Stendel said: "I think I expected so much more intensity from everybody on the pitch (this season); not only from our offense players, but from everybody and we try to put) the players in this fitness level since we started.

"The Wigan game also showed us that we are really fit and we have power until the 95th minute to bring us back in the game.

"And in the end, we win the game and I think last week was the same, we powered over the 97 minutes and the one and only thing was that we didn't score the goal we needed.

"But I think it's a good sign for me and also for the players that we have the power.

Barnsley midfielder Patrick Kelly returns to former club Doncaster Rovers this weekend. Picture: Tony Johnson.

"I say to the players: when we start the season I think we would improve to a higher level, especially with competitive games bringing us to the level we want to reach.

"We improved in every training session; I get this feeling. Especially when we bring in some new players, I think we have a high level."