Salford City next manager: Conor Hourihane on 'shortlist' after Barnsley FC departure
Conor Hourihane linked with Salford City vacancy following end of his reign as Barnsley head coach
Conor Hourihane has reportedly been shortlisted by Salford City following the end of his reign as Barnsley head coach.
The 35-year-old stepped into the head coach role at Oakwell last year, but was unable to reverse the club’s fortunes.
He oversaw a regression into 15th place in the League One table and a mutual agreement to part ways was struck. Hourihane has since been replaced by Daniel Stendel, who was appointed in May nearly seven years after his first stint as Reds boss ended.
Conor Hourihane on managerial ‘shortlist’
According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Hourihane features on Salford’s shortlist following their decision to axe Karl Robinson.
The former Leeds United coach led the Ammies into the League Two play-off final but after a 3-0 loss to Notts County at Wembley, he was shown the door.
Hourihane is thought to feature on Salford’s managerial shortlist alongside former Doncaster Rovers boss Darren Ferguson and ex-Stockport County manager Dave Challinor.
Posting on X, O’Rourke said: “Former Stockport boss Dave Challinor, Ex-Peterborough chief Darren Ferguson and former Barnsley manager Conor Hourihane are on the shortlist for the vacant manager’s job at Salford.”
Conor Hourihane’s spell in charge of Barnsley
Hourihane’s first spell in management may have been a tough one, but baptisms of fire can often prove beneficial in the long-term.
The former Republic of Ireland midfielder will have taken plenty of lessons on board and will now be well-versed in dealing with adversity. Midway through the 2025/26 campaign, Hourihane had to handle the sale of his talismanic frontman of choice Davis Keillor-Dunn to Wrexham.
Before Barnsley’s season finale, Hourihane described his second spell back at Oakwell as “incredible”. He had initially returned to the club as a player-coach, later becoming an assistant to Darrell Clarke before taking the reins himself.
He said: “My last game at Oakwell on Saturday, a day I’ll enjoy and cherish. The last 15 months has been incredible, lots of ups and downs and challenges daily.
“I’ve taken so many learning experiences from it all to make me better moving forward. Thanks to the club, players and staff for all the help, hard work and support during my time.
“To the fans, thank you for all your support, to play and manage the club has been a great honour and in both roles I gave it my all. Time to recharge but excited to see what’s next.”