Hourihane appointed Assistant Head Coach at Barnsley

Conor Hourihane has transitioned from player to Assistant at Barnsley. 

The 33-year-old made more than 580 appearances as a player and won 36 caps for the Republic of Ireland. 

He returned to Oakwell this summer, having helped Derby County earn promotion to the Championship, but has not played for the Tykes since two League One appearances in August.  Now he steps up to become Assistant to Head Coach Darrell Clarke. 

Sporting Director, Mladen Sormaz said: “We are delighted that Conor has agreed to take up this role permanently – it has clearly been on the cards for a number of weeks. 

“We came to the decision based on two factors, the first was that Conor really impressed in his coaching duties over the summer and at the start of the season, the number of hours he was putting in was massive.  Secondly, after the opening games, he had felt that he wasn’t able to play to the level he demanded from himself and this coincided with Dean Whitehead’s departure (to Stoke City) – therefore it made perfect sense to give Conor more responsibility as a Coach and call time on his playing career. 

“The club and Darrell collaborated on the decision and collectively we are excited to see what else Conor can bring to the staff after a very positive start.”

Hourihane added: “The two Wembley victories with Barnsley and getting promoted and playing in the Premier League for Aston Villa are moments I will remember forever and I am grateful to so many people, starting with my parents who allowed me to come to England at 16 years of age. 

“My intention was to play, but a combination of not feeling I could perform to the standard I expected and the amazing coaching opportunity that Barnsley have provided has meant I have come to this decision and I am excited to become a full-time Assistant Head Coach to Darrell at Oakwell.”