Barnsley FC boss Conor Hourihane's admission over exit plus Bradford City chief Graham Alexander's message
OUTGOING Barnsley head coach Conor Hourihane admits that there are 'loads of reasons' why he and the club made the decision to part company at the end of the season.
Exactly a year to the day since he was confirmed as permanent head coach, the Oakwell outfit announced that the 35-year-old will be leaving his role after the game against Stockport County on May 2.
Asked about the reasons behind his exit, Hourihane said: "There's loads of things, to be honest.
"It's not right for me to go into reasonings and how that looks. That will stay very private. But there's loads of reasons from both sides."
On his emotions following the announcement, he continued: "I'm sad, proud; it's mixed emotions. I am very, very proud to have managed this football club so early. I'm disappointed that it's coming to an end.
"In terms of hours being sacrificed and being away from family and preparation, I don't think I could have done any more to be honest.
"You always want a little bit of luck to go your way. Whether that's more signings or whether that's a key player not being injured. You need things to go in your way.
"But I put my head in the pillow and go: ‘I've given absolutely everything, 100 per cent’."
Bradford City will confirm their place in the play-offs with a home victory over seventh-placed Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday.
The Bantams have won 15 out of 21 home league games this term and amassed an eye-catching haul of 48 points.
Boss Graham Alexander said: "Just forget where teams are in the league. We have to make better decisions (than Saturday).
"We've got to take the majority of our second-half performance into Tuesday and do what we do at Valley Parade."