Barnsley FC remain in 'advanced discussions' with one candidate as Conor Hourihane prepares for farewell
BARNSLEY remain in advanced talks with one candidate regarding the head coaching role at Oakwell.
Conor Hourihane takes charge of the Reds for the final time in Saturday's League One game against Stockport County before leaving the club.
Following the match, the full focus will be on Hourihane's successor and if all goes well, then an announcement could be made in the near future.
Speaking on Thursday, Hourihane, inset, confirmed that he has had no involvement with the club's retained list, with the futures of several players regarding up in the air – including top-scorer David McGoldrick, whose deal expires in June.
There is the obvious situation regarding who will be his replacement too, with players understandably anxious to find out who it will be.
On when that will be, Hourihane said: "I don't know about the coming days, but I hope they get clarity obviously over the next period.
"I'm not sure what that looks like, whether it's days, weeks or whatever, but all I know is that they're working hard in the background to try and get the situation sorted and done.
"How it looks or the time-frames, I could not say. It's my job to be really professional and get the lads organised.
"With the situation, some lads will be wondering what's going on and who's it going to be, because obviously there's going to be players here who are contracted for next year.
"Loan players and contract players will be wondering what's going on in terms of going back to parent clubs or obviously contracts here for next year, however that looks.
"There's a lot of things to obviously get sorted, but I know the club will be trying to do as quick as they can."
Hourihane has confirmed that veteran defender Marc Roberts will be involved on Saturday – in what could be his Reds swansong.
The 35-year-old, in his second spell with the Reds, is out of contract in June.
Adam Phillips – currently battling on with an ankle issue – will be available.
Loanee Tom Bradshaw (Achilles) is a doubt, with the 'best case scenario' being involvement from the bench.
On Roberts, Hourihane added: "I want to try and get Robbo on the pitch at some stage.
"His contract's obviously up and he's got a real connection with the club and myself as well, obviously being a former team-mate."