John Stones says he is 'so grateful' to the Barnsley fans and staff who helped him start out on what looks set to be a fine career.

The defender from Penistone, who turns 19 in May, played 26 games for the Reds before moving to Everton for a deal worth £3million in January.

Stones told the Chronicle: “The fans really got behind me when things weren’t going so well in games. My message to them would be ‘thank for you all the support and keep supporting Barnsley because it is really important and they need you.’"

Stones left Barnsley on a dramatic transfer deadline day after first looking set to sign for Wigan before choosing David Moyes’ Everton.

“Barnsley was all I had ever known,” he said.

“I had been at the club since I was seven and came through all the age groups then played for the first team. Making the decision to leave was very hard and I knew it would be life-changing but I think any young lad in my position would have done the same thing.

"I don’t know too much about the financial side of it but hopefully the money Barnsley got for me will help them in years to come. I got quite emotional when I went back to say goodbye to everyone. They were all like family to me so it was very hard to leave them. But I know they are only a phone call away.”

The teenage defender praised the Reds boss as well as his predecessor Keith Hill, academy coaches Ronnie Branson and Mark Burton and fitness coach Guy Proctor for developing him.

“They all helped me so much and put a lot of work into me over the years. Flicker and Keith worked with me in pre-season then gave me my debut and I will always be grateful for that.

Anything I achieve in my career will be down to them.”