Barnsley are on the verge of appointing Conor Hourihane as their full-time head coach following a strong interim spell that has revitalised the squad, reports the Yorkshire Post.
The 33-year-old took over on a temporary basis after Darrell Clarke’s dismissal and has impressed both on and off the pitch with his detailed training sessions, high standards, and tactical focus.
Victory against top-six Bolton Wanderers last weekend helped cement his case to be handed the reins permanently, and further positive results over the Easter period could see an official announcement confirmed.
Club’s Faith Rewarded
Hourihane’s clear influence has been recognised by Barnsley’s leadership, who have praised the improvements in performance and mentality during his short tenure.
“That’s the feedback I have been getting over the course of the last three or four weeks and obviously with the Bolton game, they were delighted, but they believed that was on the way, off the back of what they were seeing prior to that,” said Hourihane.
The interim boss has stressed the importance of maintaining momentum rather than resting on a single result. As Barnsley prepare for their Easter clashes with Leyton Orient and Peterborough, the emphasis remains on refinement and continuous progress.
Hourihane, who enjoyed a highly successful spell as a player at Oakwell, winning promotion and reaching a Football League Trophy final, is now looking to add to his legacy as a manager.
His process-driven style, focus on small improvements, and clear rapport with players have been major positives. Speaking ahead of the Leyton Orient trip, Hourihane stressed the need for continued development.
His methods have been well received, with performances improving even when results have not always reflected the effort, suggesting a solid foundation is being built for the long term.
Site opinion
Conor Hourihane’s transition from player to head coach at Barnsley has been remarkably smooth. His insistence on maintaining high standards and attention to detail has already started to shift the culture at Oakwell. With the board seemingly convinced, a full-time appointment looks imminent — and it could be the beginning of an exciting new era for the Reds. Hourihane understands the club’s DNA and is building something that could bring sustained success.
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