Why Barnsley FC boss Daniel Stendel and predecessor Conor Hourihane are the same - in one aspect
DANIEL Stendel's footballing philosophy may differ from his Barnsley predecessor Conor Hourihane, but they share common ground on one thing.
Namely that Stendel’s players will be judged just as much on their performances in the working week in training as on a matchday when determining selection.
Stendel's starting line-up in his maiden match in charge, second time around, at Oakwell was striking last weekend.
Some players missed the EFL Cup tie with Wigan Athletic due to injury or unavailability, with Stendel promoting several teenagers to the matchday squad.
But senior duo Corey O'Keeffe and Jack Shepherd remained unused substitutes on the bench.
Stendel said: "Everybody has the chance to play as every week is new. We start in a new training week and then maybe it's a different decision (this weekend), but (last weekend), that was our decision.
"A new training week is a new chance for everybody to show me that he can play and he wants to play."
One player who did start was Luca Connell, who delivered a good response last weekend despite losing the captain's armband to Cam McGeehan.
"Everybody could understand - and everybody who watched the game did - that he was ready, fit and has quality," the Reds head coach added.
"But this is what I expected from everybody on the pitch."
Saturday was a red-letter day for Wombwell lad Rogan Ravenhill, handed his debut due to an injury to summer signing Cieran Slicker.
With Kieren Flavell also currently sidelined, the 20-year-old – who spent loan spells last term at non-league duo Macclesfield and Leamington - could be handed a further spell in the limelight, with becoming the club's number one being his clear and avowed mission.
"It's my aim. I'll just keep working hard day in, day out and keep doing as much as I can to keep getting myself better."
On his inspirations, he continued: "Growing up, for me Joe Hart was the one that I liked watching as a kid coming through.
"Then obviously watching Barnsley, a big one was Adam Davies, who was here when the gaffer was here last.
"I loved watching him and then all the other keepers that have come through here."
Barnsley play host to League One newcomers Bromley in their league opener on Saturday.