‘If you come to Barnsley you have to give everything’, says Valerien Ismael

Thomas has joined Ipswich Town, forcing the Reds back into the transfer market.

Ismael explained why he was allowed to follow Simoes, who joined Doncaster Rovers, out.

“Luke Thomas was unhappy and his attitude was not really professional at the end so I think it was the best situation for us,” said the coach. “We want to work with players who want to stay, work with us and be positive. We wish him good luck at Ipswich.”

Ismael says Thomas’s departure means Barnsley “have to” sign another forward. He has been linked with Wigan Athletic’s Kyle Joseph, but whoever it is will have to meet his high standards.

“The guys have a work ethic,” he explained. “You can see their commitment all the time.

“If you want to come here you have to give everything for your team-mates. That’s why we’ve won a lot of games.

“We have to know our way to play football, this is Barnsley and we need all our players to show a clear commitment to play this football.

“If one player thinks something different, we can speak about it and afterwards take a decision (about whether they should move on).”

He is happy with midfielder Mowatt, attracting interest from Championship rivals such as Millwall and yet to sign the new contract on offer despite his present deal expiring in the summer.

“Alex and I are completely on the same page,” he said. “Alex wants to stay. He’s a very good guy who has a clear vision of what he expects.”

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