Conor Hourihane is to leave Barnsley at the end of the season by mutual agreement.
This marks a significant change for both Hourihane and the club. He was appointed head coach on an interim basis in March 2025 and was given a two-year contract just a year ago.
As of midday, Barnsley sits 12th in League One, trailing 12 points behind the play-off positions.
Under Hourihane’s leadership, Barnsley has won only 14 out of 42 league games this season. This lackluster performance has contributed to their ongoing struggles.
Hourihane’s final match in charge will be against Stockport County on May 2. He has had a storied past with the club, scoring 31 goals in 135 appearances during his first spell.
Jon Flatman, a representative from Barnsley, stated that “after honest conversations between the board and Conor, it was felt that the best course of action for both parties would be to pursue a fresh start ahead of preparations for the 2026-27 season.”
There’s great respect between Hourihane and everyone involved with Barnsley. He remarked, “we felt that at the end of the season, it was probably the right time just to part ways.”
Hourihane previously captained Barnsley to an EFL Trophy and League One promotion double in 2016. His departure signifies another chapter in what has been a challenging period for the club.
Barnsley’s financial situation remains concerning. The club announced a net loss exceeding £6.5 million for the year ending June 2025.
This is now Barnsley’s fourth consecutive season in English football’s third tier. They reached the play-offs in both 2023 and 2024 but have struggled to replicate that success this year.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding future coaching appointments. However, both parties seem aligned on this decision as they look toward their respective futures.