Barnsley FC has officially appointed Conor Hourihane as their next manager on a two-year contract, the club confirmed in April 2025. The former Barnsley captain, who had been serving as interim manager since March following Darrell Clarke’s departure, has now secured the position permanently. Hourihane’s appointment comes after a period of uncertainty at Oakwell, with the club having spent three consecutive seasons in League One without achieving their promotion ambitions..
Hourihane’s journey from captain to manager
Conor Hourihane’s connection with Barnsley runs deep, having previously captained the side during his playing career. Prior to his appointment as permanent manager, Hourihane had been working as an assistant to Darrell Clarke, gaining valuable coaching experience within the club’s setup. When Clarke departed in March 2025, Hourihane stepped up to take interim charge of the team, impressing the board enough to earn the permanent position. His familiarity with the club’s structure, players, and philosophy likely played a significant role in the decision to promote from within rather than bringing in an external candidate.
The selection process
Before settling on Hourihane, Barnsley’s hierarchy had considered several external candidates for the managerial position. The shortlist reportedly included figures with connections to various Yorkshire and Midlands clubs, including Aston Villa, Huddersfield Town, Leeds United, Rotherham United, and Sheffield United. However, the club’s leadership, including chairman Neerav Parekh and sporting director Mladen Sormaz, ultimately decided that the internal solution represented the best path forward for the Tykes.
| Aspect | Details |
|——–|———|
| Manager | Conor Hourihane |
| Contract | Two-year deal (April 2025) |
| Previous role | Assistant manager, interim manager |
| Connection to club | Former Barnsley captain |
| Predecessor | Darrell Clarke (departed March 2025) |
Club leadership’s vision
Chairman Neerav Parekh had previously expressed confidence in the club’s ability to attract quality managerial talent, describing Barnsley FC as an appealing destination for coaches. Sporting Director Mladen Sormaz emphasized throughout the selection process that findign a manager who aligns with Barnsley’s playing identity and style was paramount. Hourihane’s appointment suggests he convinced the leadership that he understands and can implement the club’s preferred approach. The decision to appoint from within also indicates a desire for continuity rather than a complete overhaul of the team’s tactical setup.
Challenges ahead for Hourihane
Hourihane takes charge at a critical juncture for Barnsley FC. The 2024-25 season marked the club’s third consecutive campaign in League One, with the previous two seasons ending in playoff disappointment. The new manager faces the immediate challenge of building a squad capable of mounting a serious promotion challenge. Hourihane will need to leverage his knowledge of the current playing group, identify necessary reinforcements, and implement a playing style that can deliver consistent results in a highly competitive division. His status as a former captain may help him command respect in the dressing room, but translating that into on-field success remains the ultimate test.