Conor Hourihane speaks for the first time on becoming the new permanent head coach of Barnsley on a 2-year deal with a third year option.
The 34-year-old former Barnsley captain led the club to EFL Trophy success and League One promotion in 2016, before retiring from playing in December 2024 to focus on coaching.
He took interim charge in March 2025 after Darrell Clarke’s sacking. Despite a slow start, earning two points in his first four games, his training-ground approach, high standards, and a 4-1 win over Bolton impressed the club’s hierarchy.
Chairman Neerav Parekh praised Hourihane’s professionalism and shift to a more attacking style, aligning with the club’s desired identity. His first match as permanent head coach is against Leyton Orient.
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STATEMENT:
Barnsley Football Club are delighted to announce that Conor Hourihane has agreed to take on the role of Head Coach on a permanent basis.
Conor has signed a two-year contract with a Club option of a third season effective immediately.
After rejoining the Club in the summer as player-coach, his role quickly moved on to becoming an assistant to Darrell Clarke with the Ireland international stepping into the temporary Head Coach role after Clarke’s departure last month.
Hourihane has been in charge for six games with a clear improvement in performances throughout the period culminating in a 4-1 victory over Bolton on Saturday at Oakwell.
Chairman Neerav Parekh said, “I have been impressed by Conor over the past five weeks. He has been a model professional and ultimately what we have seen is a change in the style of play which is much more in keeping with what we want to see from the team. We want an identity within the football club, a hard-working and organised team that supporters can appreciate and get behind and I believe we have seen that in recent weeks. We are playing more attacking football, the players are getting on the front foot and looking to get fans off their seats, and we are also seeing academy players being trusted to represent the Club too. I am sure supporters will join me in welcoming Conor to the role permanently and I believe that this can be a pivotal appointment for our Club as we look to get back to our roots.”
Sporting Director Mladen Sormaz said, “Conor has earned this opportunity, putting his status as a popular former player to one side, we have seen first-hand the meticulous detail that goes into his planning and preparation for every training session which has led to improved performances on the pitch. Conor’s standards and principles are very clear and his desire to work with the academy and give young, exciting players their chance to develop is evident and equally, we are seeing some of the more experienced players in the squad starting to recapture form too. Our job is to now work with Conor to lay the foundations for a successful season.”
Conor Hourihane said: “It’s pretty emotional, to be honest. I’m really honoured. I had success as captain, and now I want success as a Head Coach – it’s as simple as that. I want to win football matches more than anyone. Step by step, the ultimate goal is to have success.”
A full interview with our new Head Coach will be available to view on iFollow Barnsley today.
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Twitter users reacted as Conor Hourihane speaks for the first time on becoming the new permanent Barnsley head coach…
@GarnerZ_: What happened to not rushing this appointment?
@ArgyleLife1886: Absolutely love this, smash it Conor! 
@Barnsleyfc11: Can’t wait for him to be sacked a month into next season when we inevitably recruit from Austrian 4th division
@josephtoconnor: Love him but slightly underwhelmed. Trying to get out of League 1 and we’ve permanently appointed the set piece coach under the previous manager who got sacked? And he has 1 win in 5 since taking charge. Hope he proves me wrong
@desbors1: Renewed me and the boy. On the way to watch them at Leyton orient. Must be mad.
@ElPalmero93: It’s the option with the least risk of pissing people off but there’s now no room to hide… No excuses for a poor start to next season. Hopefully we go into the summer with a proper recruitment plan in place, get business done early and this the team playing together as a unit.
@KhaosCentral: Knew it, cheap option yet again
@bfcboothy1: Not impressed. Not done anything to suggest he deserves it with 1 win in 5
@TykesFamily: All the very best Conor for your first head coach role. I hope the board back you and give you the tools to succeed. You’ll have our support!
@Ben_Oldroyd: Happy with that. Someone who knows the club, loves the club and really wants to succeed here. Let’s just hope the board and players want it as much as he does.
@PeterHolt24: Keep progressing like this he’ll be the owner next season!
@oakwellgrovest: Good appointment, the team performance last week gave us hope for first time in ages, wingers attacking with pace & 4-1. he’s improved team but defence has let him down badly, Bolton match everything came together. For God sake buy some solid efl defenders or he will fail.
@FplWhitty: Very happy with that. He knows the league inside out, knows the club and the players. Very highly respected from his time as a player and deserves the step up from coach. Was unlucky not to win more games as caretaker. His switch to a more attacking set up is the Barnsley way
@beardedtyke: Right decision. Buzzing for Conor. Just remember, Danny Wilson and Hecky had never been managers before either. Just saying
@LagerTyke: Feels like this was always the plan but happened sooner than expected. Good luck to him. Will back him all the way but the board needs to also. Can’t help they appointed him after warne was off the table though
@AlSmith_tykemad: Looking forwards to congratulating Conor in person on Monday, onwards and upwards!
@AlfieB0012: Yes we have only won one game since he’s been our intern. But I say he deserves his shot. Seems very organised. Got our players playing in positions they belong in. And he is a club legend so why not. I love him. And I hope the club back him. Let’s go Connor
@Bikertyke1: Congratulations Connor. This could be a good move. A coach who knows the club and as respect of the player’s and fan’s. The board need to listen and give him the tools he needs.
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