Dale Tonge sees similarities between the 2006 Barnsley promotion side he played in and the current Reds, who he will be working with until at least the summer.
The 33-year-old from Thurnscoe was promoted from under 16s coach to be Daniel Stendel’s assistant after Andreas Winkler moved to Huddersfield Town last month. It was planned for him to be involved for three games which have brought seven points out of a possible nine.
Tonge – who played 55 games for the club from 2004 to 2007 – has now been given the job until the end of the season and will work alongside fellow first team coach Christopher Stern.
He said: “I didn’t think anything could ever top making my debut for my hometown club at 17 years old, but being asked to be part of this coaching staff and to be in the dugout is right up there.
“It’s not something I have been fazed by, it’s just something I am enjoying. I was not expecting it but the gaffer pulled me aside and and asked me so I was always going to take that opportunity.
“Hopefully I have been chosen because they see me as a good coach. I represent the club, I live here and I played here.
“They know it’s in my blood and that I love the club. All my family are Barnsley fans. I have had a lot of well-wishers which has been lovely. I know I have support but it’s not about me, I just want to help Daniel to get us back into the Championship.”
Tonge believes he is fitting in well with Stendel’s style of high-pressing, counter-attacking football. He said: “I wasn’t fortunate enough to play in many teams who played like Daniel’s teams play but his philosophy has been filtered down all the age groups so I am used to it.
“We have a very young squad so the transition hasn’t been too difficult from the youth teams. I have learned a hell of a lot doing the academy work which will only stand me in good stead.”
Tonge sees comparisons between this squad and Andy Ritchie’s play-off winners of 13 years ago. He said: “One thing that is very similar is that it is a young squad. The naivety of youth can be a blessing because the boys are just going out there and really enjoying themselves.
“They are listening to the gaffer and breeding confidence day in and day out. Andy Ritchie was a big influence on me because he created a really good environment around the squad.”
Stendel has been pleased with Tonge’s contribution so far. The head coach said: “After Andreas left we needed a new solution, and Dale is that solution. After working for two weeks we have a good feeling. He is from the town and played for the club but also he speaks the language of the players and he is very quickly involved with the squad and the players. He knows League One. “It is possible that it could be a long-term role after the end of the season.”
Stendel also praised the contribution of Stern, who helps to translate for him in press conferences and training sessions but is also a key part of the coaching staff.
He said: “Christopher is not just a translator, he is a part of our success. He helps me a lot.“With Dale and Christopher, I am happy that we have the team to be successful.”
