Jack Walton reveals how Gerhard Struber's cool head helped Barnsley pull off great escape

The Reds had dropped into the Championship relegation zone for the first time in 2019-20 on October 5, following a 5-1 defeat at Preston North End, and would not climb back out of the bottom three until stoppage time in the final game of the season against Brentford.

Clarke Odour was the hero for Barnsley as he converted a low cross at the back post in time added on at Griffin Park on Wednesday night to secure a 2-1 victory in the capital.

Struber was appointed manager at Oakwell on November 20 and has helped Barnsley pull off the greatest of escapes despite the Reds dropping to the bottom of the Championship table with two games remaining.

Two stoppage-time goals in their final two fixtures rescued the Tykes from the drop and Walton revealed how Struber had always believed Barnsley could survive.

“Everyone has written us off so many times this season,” Walton told barnsleyfc.co.uk.“When he [Struber] came in, we were rock bottom and probably the toughest time in the changing room when we were low on confidence.

"He’s come in and boosted us and believed from minute one that we could get out of this situation. He’s never panicked.

“We came back after lockdown and we were seven points adrift but he said that we were good enough as players. Everyone has stepped in, to a man.

"We’ve got a young squad but everyone has been unbelievable and played their part, and everyone deserves it.”

If results were counted since Struber's arrival in Yorkshire, Barnsley would be sat 15th.

After making zero appearances this season before the restart, Walton played every minute for Barnsley on their return to action on June 20.

The 22-year-old made two stunning saves at Griffin Park on Wednesday night and has kept five clean sheets while conceding only seven goals, four of which came in the defeat at Stoke City.

“I’ve had to be patient but I got my chance when I came back and worked really hard in lockdown,” said Walton, whose only professional appearances have come in a Reds shirt.

“I’m happy with my performances, but it’s not just me who gets clean sheets, it’s the whole team from the strikers to the defenders and it’s put us in good stead to get the points that were needed.”

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