Key Barnsley figure set to exit Oakwell and join League Two club | OneFootball

Former Premier League striker expected to become Clarke’s assistant after League Two return

Jon Stead is set to leave his role as assistant manager at Barnsley to reunite with Darrell Clarke at Bristol Rovers, following the ex-Tykes' re-appointment as manager at the Memorial Stadium.

Stead, who had remained at Oakwell under Conor Hourihane following Clarke’s sacking in March, is now expected to make the switch to the Memorial Stadium to once again serve as Clarke’s number two.

Clarke was officially appointed as Rovers manager earlier this week, returning to the club for a second spell after Inigo Calderon’s departure in the wake of relegation to League Two.

Jon Stead set for Bristol Rovers as Darrell Clarke rebuilds in League Two

Stead initially joined Barnsley in July 2023, arriving alongside Neill Collins after previously working with him at USL Championship sides Hartford Athletic and Tampa Bay Rowdies.

When Collins was dismissed, Stead remained at Oakwell under Clarke and has continued as assistant to interim manager Conor Hourihane, who stepped up from a player-coach role following Clarke’s exit.

Stead is understood to have remained a popular figure at Oakwell during a turbulent season which saw Barnsley fall away from the promotion race, ultimately finishing 12th.

After initially arriving to work under Collins, he stayed on following Clarke’s appointment and was a key part of the backroom team throughout Clarke’s 10-month tenure.

Stead has now agreed to follow Clarke to the Memorial Stadium, where he will serve as assistant manager. Clarke returned to Bristol Rovers this week following their relegation, aiming to rebuild at a club where he previously enjoyed success and back-to-back promotions from the Conference to League One.

From Premier League striker to trusted number 2: Jon Stead’s coaching rise

After a 17-year playing career that included over 600 appearances for the likes of Huddersfield, Notts County, Bristol City and Ipswich, Stead moved into coaching with a reputation as a thoughtful and committed professional.

He played in the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland in the mid-2000s before becoming a reliable presence in the Football League.

His move into coaching has seen him develop a strong reputation across both sides of the Atlantic, combining player development experience with tactical nous.

With Rovers