Barnsley v Nottingham Forest - Forget last year’s heroics and start again

Reds supporters will be relieved to know that the Austrian intends to write it at Oakwell, with his exploits in saving the club from relegation last term having resonated at rival clubs across Europe.

Watford were strongly linked with a summer move for the 43-year-old, but his message to the Barnsley faithful is that he is fully focused on a new ‘race’ at the club.

At the start of his first full season in South Yorkshire, Struber said: “I have a contract here in Barnsley and I see that it is not the right moment to end the race here.

“I have a squad and a good staff who work very closely together with a good relationship and I hope we can make the next step together.

“What we did to stay in the league (last season) was a magic situation for everyone. But now we are looking forward to big goals this season and bringing new players into the group.

“We will not speak and lose energy about last season. It is the right time to bring the right focus into the new season. This is my job and responsibility.”

Just as Struber is keen to ‘park’ last season’s achievements and focus on the forthcoming campaign, the Reds head coach wants his squad to turn a new page and not luxuriate in the glow of the club’s stirring feats in high summer either.

A number came of age during that definitive spell, none moreso than midfielder Callum Styles, whose progress has been rewarded by way of a long-term deal.

A key contribution against today’s opponents Forest, who were the visitors for Barnsley’s last home game just 48 days ago, helped pave the way for a dramatic last-gasp victory.

Struber is confident that the Lancastrian can now take his career onto greater highs, having stepped up to the plate in outstanding fashion at the end of 2019-20.

Struber continued: “I think Callum understands what his role is now. He is not a talent now but a professional player.

“He makes a professional job in every game and works very professionally like a player with big experience.

“Sometimes, it is not a question of experience, but quality and Callum has the right quality and the chance to show me in the next months that he can develop and give the team a very good anchor.”