Conor Hourihane’s reign as Barnsley head coach is coming to an end and fans have been left to ponder potential successors.
Early links to Darren Moore and Charlie Daniels have been downplayed, meaning supporters are still speculating as the 2025/26 campaign approaches its end.
Hourihane only took charge on a permanent basis in April last year, becoming the head coach of a club he represented with such distinction as a player. He has been unable to turn the Reds into League One promotion contenders and a mutual agreement has been struck that will see him move on at the end of the campaign.
After the agreement was reached, Hourihane said: “I am incredibly grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity to begin my management journey, particularly at a club that means so much to me.
“I want to say a massive thank you to the Barnsley supporters. I will always hold Barnsley in my heart and wish the club nothing but the very best for the future.
“Following discussions between the club and myself, we both felt that a change in the summer would be best to ensure a smooth transition. The main focus now is on the final five games and finishing the season as strongly as possible to provide the best platform going forward.”
Here are 17 out-of-work managers Barnsley could turn to in their hunt for a new head coach.
1. Ryan Mason
The 34-year-old former Hull City midfielder took charge of West Bromwich Albion last summer after two spells as Tottenham Hotspur's caretaker boss. He was axed by the Baggies in January with the club sat 18th in the Championship. | Jack Thomas/Getty Images
2. Jon Dahl Tomasson
The former Blackburn Rovers boss was most recently in charge of the Sweden national team. | JOE KLAMAR/AFP via Getty Images
3. Will Still
The 33-year-old has not returned to management since his dismissal at Southampton earlier in the campaign. | Danny Lawson/PA Wire
4. Wilfried Nancy
The 49-year-old did a stellar job stateside with Columbus Crew but could not emulate his success at Celtic. | Steve Welsh/PA Wire