Valerien’s got what it Tykes

IN late October, Barnsley were second-bottom of the Championship, with three points and without a win.

By early December, the Tykes were bumping around in 17th place and another season of toil – repeating last term’s last-day relegation escape – seemed inevitable.

What has happened since is why football always offers hope that bad times will soon be overcome, and miracles can happen.

New boss Valerien Ismael has led a revival that no club can match and put the Yorkshiremen within touching distance of the Premier League – which they have only graced once, back in the 1997-98 season.

Ismael (below), who, as a player, won the Bundesliga with Werder Bremen and was Crystal Palace’s record signing – £2.7million in 1998 – has put Barnsley on the front foot.

He’s drilled them into a hardpressing outfit that richer and more illustrious rivals have struggled to match.

There’s been success in signing rising stars such as Callum Styles, 20, Mads Andersen, Callum Brittain and Toby Sibbick, plus the only slightly older Michal Helik and Carlton Morris.

Chief Executive Dane Murphy has overseen recruitment from lower English divisions – or away from the European major leagues – landing players whose numbers show they can fit into the energetic style.

Ismael, one of only five BAME bosses in the top four divisions, has brought confidence and “principles” which saw them win nine games out of 10, and go unbeaten in the league for 12 games, until two games ago. Not that he blows his own trumpet. Instead, he donated £200 to the Barnsley Brass appeal to refurbish old tubas recently.

Oakwell is welcoming, with super friendly staff, and a modesty that would serve the Premier League well.

As Murphy says: “We think as a small club on a small budget. We have to be prepared – or else we cannot swim with the big boys.”