Luke Steele says the intervention of Barnsley's new chief executive Ben Mansford was key to him signing a new two-year deal with the Reds.
The 28-year-old goalkeeper looked set to leave Oakwell after being offered just one more year on reduced terms last month. Manager David Flitcroft said Steele was 'too old' for a longer deal and last season's captain spoke to other clubs although he said they would have been 'sideways moves' and that he also wanted to stay at Barnsley. Steele claims that Mansford persuaded others at the club to double the length of the offer.
Steele said: "I had an offer (from Barnsley) early on and it was a straight 'no'. After that I said to my agent and family that I would look elsewhere if that was the best Barnsley could do. There was no midgames or bluffing. I spoke to other clubs because I felt Barnsley weren't giving me anything to work with in terms of contract size.
"I went to leave but once Ben came in things changed and the offer improved so I stayed. I spoke to other clubs but they were sideways moves, nothing better than where Barnsley are.
"Deep down my family knew that I wanted to stay at Barnsley and I am relieved that it is all sorted and I'm excited for next season."
Steele, who has played 194 games for the Reds since signing in 2008, is glad that his last act for Barnsley was not keeping the ball at his feet for the final two minutes of the 2-2 draw at Huddersfield on the last day of last season.
He said: "It sounds crazy but staying in the division last season was the biggest achievement of my career and it would have been a shame to leave after that."
