Conor Hourihane named permanent Barnsley boss

Barnsley have appointed Conor Hourihane as their new permanent head coach on a two-year deal.

The 34-year-old played 136 times for the club, with the former midfielder only retiring in December to assist then manager Darrell Clarke.

After a run of just three wins in 11 matches, Clarke was dismissed at the beginning of March with Hourihane placed in interim charge at Oakwell.

Hourihane has been in the dugout for six games so far, losing three, drawing two and winning one.

4-1 victory against Bolton in their latest outing seemed to make up the mind of the Barnsley board who have now decided that the former Republic of Ireland international is the man to take them forward permanently.

Chairman Neerav Parekh said in a club statement: "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."

Barnsley is a club close to Hourihane's heart.

He captained the club to EFL Trophy and League One playoff final triumphs in 2016, his first honours as a professional player.

Speaking on his appointment 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."

William Dobbie

• Barnsley F.C.
• League One
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