The German gaffer is nearing the conclusion of his 22-year long association with Hannover 96

Ex Hearts boss Daniel Stendel is reportedly headed to another of his former clubs as Barnsley have ‘agreed’ terms for his return.

The 52-year old previously helped the Tykes earn promotion to the Championship in 2019, but was sacked after just 10 games in the second tier. Later that year, he took charge at Tynecastle in a tough season on and off the pitch, as Hearts were relegated to the Championship during the campaign that was curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now back at Hannover 96 as a youth team coach, a club he’s been at for over two decades in various roles, Stendel has reportedly fell out with some senior figures at the Bundesliga 2 side. Barnsley, who finished 15th in EFL League One last season, have since reached out to the former Jambo and are now hoping to finalise the deal that will reunite him with the club.

Former Hearts boss set for UK return

Prominent Yorkshire-based football journalist Adam Oxley confirmed via X: “I’m hearing that former promotion-winning boss Daniel Stendel has agreed to return to Barnsley, with work ongoing to finalise a deal. I understand discussions have been taking place for some time, with Stendel under contract at Hannover 96 II.”

According to German media, Stendel, who also had a managerial spell at French side AS Nancy after leaving Gorgie, has ‘strained relations’ with Hannover Sporting Directors Julian Battmer and Arne Kübek, as well as under-23s assistant Timo Struckmeier, who is leaving the club in the summer.

Where did it go wrong for Daniel Stendel at Hearts?

Stendel took over from Craig Levein when Hearts were bottom of the table and was tasked with keeping them up in a season filled with turmoil. He won five of his 17 games in charge, the most notable of which was a 1-0 Scottish Cup quarter final victory over Rangers at Tynecastle, however this wasn’t enough to keep the Jambos in the Premiership.

In a controversial end to the season that was cut short due to the pandemic, despite being four points behind 11th placed Hamilton Accies with eight games to go, Hearts were relegated. During this time, the German agreed to help the financially-strained Jambos by waiving away his wages from March onwards, an honourable decision which earned him respect amongst the club’s hierarchy and fans. Robbie Neilson would take over for the subsequent campaign as Hearts instantly regained their Premiership status.