Lee Johnson feels moving to Bristol City proved to be a good move for all parties.
The former Reds head coach, 35, makes his first return to Oakwell tomorrow after he left for Bristol City in February.
He is expecting a 'hostile' reception after walking out on The Reds fewer than 24 hours after they booked their place in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final with a penalties victory over Fleetwood Town.
He was booed at Wembley by Barnsley fans when he appeared on the big screens and is expecting more of the same.
Johnson said: "I've already had a hostile reception when I went to Wembley and I was invited to the JPT final. The timing was never ideal. I left, or Bristol City brought me, the day after we got to the final and I went as a guest. I had 40,000 fans boo me, mainly in gest hopefully, but I'm sure there were some serious ones among them.
"I was on the big screen as well so that didn't feel too good. But football is like this – the timing wasn't ideal and I did apologise for that. But I felt Bristol City was my club and it's a huge club.
"I think it's worked well for both parties. They've got Paul Heckingbottom who is a great coach and he was brilliant for me when I was at the club. I've only got positive things to say about him and Barnsley."
Full match preview in Friday's Chronicle.
