Valerien Ismael confirmed as new Barnsley FC head coach

The Frenchman, 45, has signed a three-year deal and is due to fly into England in time for Saturday's game at Millwall, where he will watch from the stands.

Strasbourg-born Ismael is expected to take training on Sunday and there is likely to be a press conference on Monday.

Ismael, a former player with the likes of Bayern Munich and Crystal Palace, left his last position at Austrian outfit LASK in the summer.

He guided the club through to the Europa League group stage last season and a last-16 tie against Manchester United - after knocking out AZ Alkmaar - and they finished fourth last season in the Austrian Bundesliga.

Ismael also had a spell managing in the German Bundesliga with Wolfsburg.

On his appointment, he said: “I would like to thank Paul Conway and Dane Murphy for the open and productive dialogue that we've had up to this point, and for the great chance that they have given me to manage in English football as the coach of Barnsley FC.

“I feel a great deal of excitement about the new position and the new challenges that it brings, and I can't wait to get to know the team, my coaching staff, everyone who works at the club, and of course the Reds fans at Oakwell too, so that together we can get started and hit the ground running!”

Ismael was one of three final candidates for the position alongside caretaker head coach Adam Murray, who will be on the touchline for tomorrow's game at the New Den, and former Brondby and Leipzig head coach Alexander Zoringer.

Reds CEO Dane Murphy said: “In Valérien we have a young, ambitious coach who already possesses a wealth of footballing experience across the continent. Throughout the recruitment process, he was the standout candidate and his style of play will complement our philosophy.

“Valérien is aware of the quality within our squad and with his guidance, the board believe that he is well suited to continuing our players’ development whilst simultaneously solidifying our position in the Sky Bet Championship.