"Honoured" - Conor Hourihane reacts to being appointed as Barnsley's new permanent head coach | OneFootball

Conor Hourihane has been in charge of Barnsley as an interim head coach since mid-March.

Conor Hourihane has claimed it’s an emotional moment to be appointed Barnsley head coach on a permanent basis.

The Tykes have confirmed that the 34-year-old will remain in charge of the team on a full-time basis after initially taking charge as a caretaker.

He replaced Darrell Clarke in mid-March, and has overseen a handful of League One games since then, as the club look to consolidate a top half finish in the third tier this season.

The former midfielder has agreed a two-year deal with the option of a third year, with their attention now likely to turn towards the summer transfer window as we enter the final weeks of the season.

Conor Hourihane reacts to permanent Barnsley appointment

Hourihane has issued his response to becoming the next permanent Barnsley head coach, his first main role in coaching since retiring as a player with the Tykes last December.

He has revealed that it’s an emotional moment for him, outlining his desire to succeed at the club where he was previously captain.

“It’s pretty emotional, to be honest," said Hourihane, via the club's official website.

“I’m really honoured.

“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.”

Hourihane initially spent two-and-a-half years at Barnsley from July 2014-January 2017, before returning for a final stint with the club to end his career in 2024, making well over 100 appearances for the club altogether.

Hourihane's first point of order as Barnsley head coach will be to consolidate top half League One finish

Barnsley have struggled for form in the second half of the campaign, which has led to their Championship promotion bid stalling.

With only a few games remaining, they are now out of contention for a top six finish and will have to spend another season in League One.

Supporters will be hoping Hourihane now has what it takes to turn things around at Oakwell, and guide the team back to the Championship.

Hourihane appointment is a big risk by Barnsley

It’s been a disappointing season at Barnsley, with the team really struggling to maintain their competitive level from the last two seasons.

They’re now at risk of becoming established as a League One side, instead of being back in the Championship.

If this Hourihane appointment doesn’t work out, then supporters will be venting their frustrations at the key decision-makers behind the scenes.

Given it’s also his first managerial role, and the team’s form hasn’t exactly excelled during his time in charge as an interim, this is a really risky decision by the club that could potentially backfire in a bad way.