Conor Hourihane appointed Barnsley Head Coach on permanent basis
The 34-year-old has been in interim charge since Darrell Clarke left Oakwell last month.
Last updated 18th Apr 2025
Barnsley have named Conor Hourihane as their new Head Coach on a permanent basis.
The Irishman, who has previously captained The Tykes, was put in interim charge after Darrell Clarke was sacked last month.
Hourihane, who retired from football in December, last led the side during Saturday’s 4-1 win at Bolton. The result leaves them 11th in the League One table.
"It's pretty emotional, to be honest. I'm really honoured,” said Hourihane, who left Oakwell in 2017 to join Aston Villa.
"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."
He has signed a two-year-contract, with the option of an additional year.
"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,” the Chairman, Neerav Parekh told the Club Website.
"I believe that this can be a pivotal appointment for our club as we look to get back to our roots."
The 34-year-old represented the Republic of Ireland on 34 occasions and has previously worked at Aston Villa’s academy.