Luke Steele Signs Barnsley Contract

Luke Steele is now a Barnsley player for another two seasons and I am pleased that the club had room for negotiation and gave Steele what he wanted rather than the original one year deal offered to the stopper.

Steele told the official website ‘Seeing the signings of all the players that did so well last season was important to me. Often at the end of the season I have been used to a lot of players going out and new ones coming in, but this year it hasn`t been the case.`

It seems to me from Steele`s comments that as well as holding out for a two year deal he also wanted to see if the club had the new found ambition that they claimed and being able to sign up Cranie and O`Grady showed to him that they have.

Steele did have other options but Barnsley was where he wanted to be. I do not think he would be here however if there had still only been that one year deal on the table.

Barnsley boss David Flitcroft is currently ‘buzzing` with the summer ‘signings` so far and he spoke to the official website after Steele had put pen to paper.

‘The signing of Steeley has made all the work and changes through the summer completely worthwhile. Steele has been at the club a good number of years and he is delighted that instead of talking about change, he now sees change.

‘Luke was excited by the club`s ambition in the retaining of last season`s players and the intent shown by the board.

‘Steeley, his advisor and his Dad were impressed by the negotiation process and intent to re-sign him. It was a pleasure to meet his Dad during the talks. I have great admiration for their relationship. To see the pride for his son left a lasting impression on me.

‘The deal was all about what the next two years look like from a complete footballing perspective and not, like in most cases, driven by money. It was very important that Luke went away after last season and explored all other avenues to make sure he made a choice that felt right.

‘He had other offers but the relationship he has with the supporter and with the other players I think was the deciding factor. The group have a special bond and Steeley is a focal point in that group.

‘I can`t wait to get working again with him. We trust each other and that is key to any relationship working. He is a perfectionist and looks at every angle to improve his game. His professionalism and commitment to his work is something I have admired over my two years here.

‘Today we have signed the best shot stopper in the Championship and that is something I am buzzing about.`

More great news and I am sure we can finish in the top half this season with three or four additions to this squad.

Also a great interview from David Flitcroft with aspects that I will pick up on at a later date. One stand out think for me was that he referred to Steele as the best shot stopper in the league and not the best keeper.

He is probably right and with what he was saying about Steele being a perfectionist, I can see the two of them putting in the hours on the training ground and we could see the rest of Steele`s game improve even further than it already has from when he first joined the club.