BARNSLEY head coach Daniel Stendel possesses something in his locker that Reyes Cleary wouldn't necessarily receive if he’d made the move to the Championship during a speculation-fuelled summer window.

It helps explain why the Reds' prized asset has plenty to look forward to between now and January, when the grapevine is highly likely to be full of rumours about his future once again.

Stendel's raison d'etre is developing young players over a relatively short space of time. It explains why those in the corridors of power at Oakwell were keen to bring him back for a second spell.

Evidence of the Stendel factor was showcased in Wednesday night's hard-fought victory over Blackpool.

Barnsley winger Reyes Cleary, pictured in action against Blackpool. Photo: Tony Johnson.

placeholder image — Barnsley winger Reyes Cleary, pictured in action against Blackpool. Photo: Tony Johnson.

Those fresh-faced talents in the Reds' line-up weren't picture-perfect. But they were well drilled, fit and clearly buying into what their head coach wants, just four league games in.

Cleary has shown choice glimpses of his explosive talent over the past year at Barnsley.

Think that wonder goal at Valley Parade last autumn for example and his dazzling FA Cup performance at Anfield in January which alerted him to a wider audience.

But at 22 and at the start of his second season in League One, he still has a few rough edges to smooth off. Another four months under Stendel - hopefully longer - can only benefit his development, With and without the ball.

Barnsley head coach Daniel Stendel, pictured during the 2-1 win over Blackpool. Photo: Tony Johnson.

That's been the message from Stendel during what must have been a stressful summer at times for the Midlander amid interest - and some bids - from a clutch of second-tier clubs with Bristol City and Blackburn Rovers being among those keen to land him.

There were unsubstantiated reports that Cleary had tabled a transfer request in a bid to force through a move on deadline day. It appeared to be agent-driven.

A transfer did not transpire - with Barnsley sticking to their guns regarding their valuation of a player who is effectively contracted at the club until June 2029.

Stendel said: "It's not so easy when you have a lot of voices in the head and everybody tells him 'you have to do this, this and this'. "But I think the reaction - after the game on Saturday and against Blackpool - showed he can do it and he's a strong character, which is important for me."

His midweek performance certainly reflected well on his character during what must have been an unsettling time.

Anyone fearful that Cleary might have sulked at staying put need not have worried. He played a full part in his club's morale-boosting win, which saw the Reds claim a third successive victory for the first time in almost a year.

Stendel observed: "It (speculation) was not only the last two days (before the window closed).

"Since I'm here, it's been: 'he would leave, he would stay, he would go'.. It was a lot of things and not an easy time.

"I noticed this in pre-season and I hope for him and us that he plays really well in the next months and games and then I'm happy for him.

"It's not an easy experience and not so many young players have this experience but it can help him to be a better player and I believe he's a really good character.

"I believe not only we as a staff, but also the players in the changing room would help him to say: 'it doesn't matter, I will go my way (at Barnsley) and improve."

Deadline day passed off with no further additions and not the extra striker that many Barnsley supporters hankered for. Stendel remained happy with his lot.

Ivorian striker Ben Hamed Touré arrived last Sunday. He could be involved against Stevenage this weekend, but Stendel has warned fans not to expect too much too soon from the 23-year-old, who has joined from French outfit FC Annecy.

Stendel commented: "Not only can he score goals but he helps our game and we need more power and aggression where we want to press the teams.

"I think he has a lot of skills that can help us to improve in our game, but he also needs a little bit of time.

"He hasn't trained so much and played in (many) pre-season games, but we (will) give him time. I have a good feeling, he wants to work hard and he's happy to be here."

On Barnsley's quest to further boost their squad on deadline day, Stendel, who confirmed that the club have no current plans to enter the free agent market, added: "I think we looked for players and signed two players (Connor O'Riordan and Ziyad Larkeche) last week.

"Some things can happen on the last day, but I'm happy with the squad we have at the moment and I have the feeling we can improve a lot with the players.

"And this is our job to do it and the players' job is to do everything to improve and show the ambition and then everybody likes to work together.

"We don't have another forward; it doesn't matter, we work with the squad that we have."