Barnsley hit out at Daniel Stendel after Hearts move - read the astonishing statement in full

Oakwell side accused German boss of violating his Tykes contract

Barnsley have issued a strongly-worded statement regarding Daniel Stendel's departure following his appointment as the new manager of Hearts.

The Championship side has accused the German coach of violating his contract as well as claiming there had been two months of "unproductive discussions" over Stendel's exit. They also touched upon their attempts "to no avail" to negotiate a settlement with Hearts to allow Stendel and his trusted lieutenants Chris Stern and Dale Tonge to take up roles at Tynecastle.

The statement in full is as follows:

Barnsley have issued a scathing statement accusing Daniel Stendel of violating his Tykes contract

"Barnsley Football Club would also like to finally address the separation with our former Head Coach Daniel Stendel. This may come as little consolation but it is only right that our supporters have a picture of what has taken place at their club.

"Early in the season Daniel Stendel entered into negotiations with a rival Sky Bet Championship club, to take over their managerial post and recruited other members of contracted Barnsley Football Club staff to follow him. Never once did Mr Stendel seek approval or alert members of the club’s board to these discussions. Only when approached, by the board, was there any sign of acknowledgement. This was a clear violation of Mr Stendel’s contract and created additional unnecessary ‎distractions for our club which was recently promoted to the Sky Bet Championship.

"This event, coupled with numerous other issues, led to removal of Mr Stendel as head coach. Out of respect for his contributions to the tremendous 2018/2019 season, we wanted to settle this matter privately and amicably out of the eye of the public. After two months of unproductive discussions (and the subsequent public announcement by Heart of Midlothian that he has joined them as their new manager), the club cannot wait any longer in speaking to its fans.

"More recently we have attempted negotiations of a settlement with Heart of Midlothian Football Club for the services of Mr Stendel, Chris Stern, and Dale Tonge to no avail.

"The club will continue to vigorously defend its rights against all parties involved in tampering of club staff so the club recovers all damages incurred. All recovered damages will be reinvested in our squad."