4 managers Barnsley must consider appointing ft Shaun Maloney | OneFootball

The Tykes dugout will likely have a new resident for the 25/26 season

“We are not rushing into it,” said Barnsley chairman Neerav Parekh last month, following the sacking of Darrell Clarke. “We understand how important this appointment is. We will try and get it right, but the proof is in the pudding and we will find out next season if we have.”

It’s a crucial moment for the club. Following another year of inconsistency and fan unrest, the search for a new head coach could define the direction of the Tykes for seasons to come.

Parekh’s comments suggest patience behind the scenes – “one of [our shortlisted coaches] is getting paid by his ex-club until the summer... another has personal reasons why he cannot decide until the summer” - but as speculation builds, attention naturally turns to who could fit the bill.

Rumoured names include familiar figures like Rob Edwards, a continuation for Conor Hourihane, and Wayne Rooney.

But away from the spotlight, there are some intriguing options still under the radar - each with a strong case to be considered. Here are four managers who haven’t been publicly linked to the Barnsley job, but absolutely should be.

Shaun Maloney

Sacked by Wigan Athletic in March 2024, Shaun Maloney might not top many shortlists, but that could be a mistake.

His exit was widely criticised by Lactics fans, many of whom had rallied behind the former Scotland international for the stability and sense of identity he brought to the club following a chaotic spell under Talal Al Hammad and Kolo Toure.

Maloney took over a side battered by off-field dysfunction and managed to unify both dressing room and fanbase, guiding Wigan to a respectable 12th-place finish in League One last season - despite an eight-point deduction.

That’s a better finish than Barnsley find themselves in now, and perhaps more importantly, he’s been through the kind of turmoil that now surrounds Oakwell.

He understands that rebuilding a football club isn’t just about tactics, but about culture, leadership and communication - all of which Barnsley currently need in abundance.

Des Buckingham

Des Buckingham brings international perspective, youth development expertise and recent promotion success - a rare combination in the EFL managerial merry-go-round.

Buckingham's rise started young, cutting his teeth at Oxford United before globe-trotting to manage in New Zealand and India.

At Mumbai City, he delivered an Indian Super League title and guided the team to its first AFC Champions League win. He even oversaw New Zealand’s best-ever U20 World Cup campaign.

But crucially for Barnsley, Buckingham returned to Oxford United in late 2023 and led them to Championship promotion via the playoffs - beating Bolton Wanderers at Wembley.

His tenure ended in December 2024, but a 1.62 career points-per-game average and modern, progressive approach to the game should be of huge interest to any League One club with upward ambitions.

Valérien Ismaël

It’s impossible to mention a Barnsley managerial vacancy without thinking of Valérien Ismaël. The Frenchman’s 2020/21 campaign in charge is still held up as a high-water mark - a high-intensity, high-pressing Tykes side that defied expectations and finished fifth in the Championship.

Since then, his career has been mixed. Short spells at West Brom, Besiktas and Watford didn’t quite click, and he’s currently managing Blackburn Rovers - a job that, if current form continues, may not last beyond the summer.

If he becomes available, would a return to South Yorkshire be a logical step?

Ismaël’s familiarity with the club’s structure, recruitment model and expectations could give him a head start. If Barnsley want to recapture the spirit of 2021, there may be no better man to call.

Brian Barry-Murphy

Brian Barry-Murphy isn’t a headline name, but he’s steadily built a reputation as one of the most promising developers of talent in English football.

A former Rochdale manager who earned plaudits for his calm leadership and progressive coaching style, he stepped away from senior management in 2021 to take charge of Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad.

While there, he helped shape the club’s young talents, gaining valuable experience in one of football’s most demanding development environments.

After leaving City in July 2024, Barry-Murphy joined Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s backroom team at Leicester City in December. However, with the Foxes potentially heading for Premier League relegation, he could become available again soon.

Still just 46, Barry-Murphy has already been on the radar of clubs like QPR and Preston North End. A return to senior management at a club with a track record of developing talent - like Barnsley - might be the perfect next step.