Bandon's Conor Hourihane is the new first team head coach of Barnsley FC

Bandon native Conor Hourihane is now the head coach of Barnsley on a permanent basis, after being appointed as caretaker last March at Oakwell Stadium.

The former Republic of Ireland international has signed a two year contract with the club, with an option of a third season.

This is the end of a process that started with the midfielder going to Oakwell Stadium as player-coach and later becoming assistant coach to Darrell Clarke, who was relieved of his duties earlier this year.

Hourihane has been charge for the last six games, and his time as caretaker accumulated in a 4-1 victory over Bolton last Saturday.

Barnsley are now 11th in EFL League One, with four games left to play this season.

Hourihane’s record to date at Oakwell Stadium as Head Coach is one win, two draws, and two defeats.

The Bandon native has been praised as a ‘model professional’ since taking over the first team in Barnsley last March.

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 added, “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."

Hourihane takes over a Barnsley team that is rebuilding after reaching the promotion play-offs twice in successive seasons and falling short, with the club losing the final in 2023 to Sheffield Wednesday.