Reds Head Coach Lee Johnson has hailed the re-signing of defender Lewin Nyatanga as 'massive' after the centre-half penned a new, two-year deal at Oakwell.
"I think it's massive," beamed Johnson, speaking to barnsleyfc.co.uk. "For Lewin to want to be a part of it here is great. Some players would want a fresh challenge but he's committed himself and we're delighted because he had an excellent back-end to the season. He's excellent in the dressing room. It's a big statement to keep him because there was other interest in him and why wouldn't there be?
"To find a player at 6ft 2", left-footed and an international with 250 Championship games under his belt is phenomenal. That just shows our intent to push on next year. Even though he was already with us, in the modern day there's still that loyalty there and that's nice to know."
Last year's Players' Player of the Year made 51 appearances, scoring five goals, with Johnson adding, "It's really important that our defenders chip in. You only have to look at Aden Flint at Bristol City at how many he scored. The most important job is keeping the ball out of the net and we'll set him targets for clean sheets - which I'm sure he'll meet."