Ahead of Reading’s trip to Barnsley tomorrow night, the Yorkshire club have become embroiled in a bitter public dispute with former manager Daniel Stendel.

Yesterday, the club issued a statement accusing the former manager of violating his contract with the club, following his move to Edinburgh side Hearts.

Barnsley also claimed that there had been two month of ‘unproductive discussions’ pver Stendel’s departure.

The statement in full read: “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.

In response to the club statement, the former manager hit back at the club – issuing his own statement on his own Facebook page.

Mr Stendel wrote: “Herewith I want to respond to the statement of FC Barnsley. I experienced the people in Barnsley as honest and straight forward and therefore would like to present my point of view:

“During my entire time at Barnsley I gave my full commitment, energy and passion for the club and their supporters.

“I always put the sporting results of Barnsley first and always tried to achieve the very best results that were possible. We had a fantastic last season in League 1, securing promotion to the Championship, playing some very entertaining football.

“The start to this season was very difficult though, with the club being unable to retain several key players from the promotion team and couldn’t replace these experienced players.

“I always remained committed and accepted all the decisions of the Board during my entire time - including the decision to terminate my contract with immediate effect. At the day of my dismissal I wasn't informed about any detailed reasons.

“The week before my dismissal I asked for an open discussion about the sporting situation with a Board Member, during which none of the reasons that apparently led to my dismissal were raised as complaints.

“I was always honest and documented strongly that I wanted to continue to work with the team in order to achieve the goals of the club. I was then dismissed after the disappointing defeat to Preston.

“After the termination of my contract, I have made it clear that even then I was open to finding an amicable resolution in order to keep noise away from the team.

“I am an honest person and always wanted the best for the club. The people from Barnsley and the fans know that. I always was a fighter on and also next to the pitch and will also now fight for my rights.

“I do, however, wish all the players, the supporters, employees and the new manager the very best for the future.”