Former Barnsley academy manager tips John Stones to succeed at Manchester City

A former Barnsley academy manager believes John Stones’ willingness to learn and improve will see him succeed under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

Ronnie Branson only recently left his role with the Tykes, and first began working with Stones when the defender was just seven, before eventually seeing him sold on to Everton in 2013. Manchester City broke a British transfer record to sign Stones for a reported £47.5m earlier this week.

“We always encouraged him to play out of the back, and we did that with all the kids – but not all of them can do that,” Branson told ITV News' Kristan Heneage in an exclusive interview.

“John was always composed, and willing to do that though. He’s a level-headed kid, which I think helps too. He’s a smashing lad, and I’m not just saying that. His family, his mum and dad are lovely people. He’s quite calm and collected on the field, so when he’s off the field it’s quite similar.

“One thing people don’t know about him though, is that he has a great sense of humour. He’s a real comic in the dressing room, but only ever at the right time. John would always like to mimic people, and he’s got a real wicked sense of humour.”

Admitting that the defender did not stand out until midway through his teens, Branson also recalled one of the key moments in his development with the youth team.

“I remember we went up to Arsenal with the under 18s, and won 2-1. John coped [with the situation] really well,” he explained. “And you think to yourself, if he can cope with the style of football Arsenal play and at that pace then he could have a really bright future in the game. I remember that game being quite pivotal in how we saw him.”

Now speaking with a feeling of pride at what Stones has already achieved, Branson believes the player’s attitude has been central to his success so far, and will once again help him at the Etihad.

“He’s very keen and willing to learn,” he said. “Watching interviews on TV, he says he’s gone to Manchester City because he’s got a lot to learn. Even now, having played a few England games, he still wants to learn. A lot of players say that, it’s a throwaway comment, but he really does.”

Stones is set to start for City when they take on Sunderland at home on Saturday in their first Premier League match of the new season.