Hart named new Barnsley manager

Paul Hart has been named as Barnsley’s new manager after the South Yorkshire club sacked Gudjon Thordarson.

Hart was sacked as Nottingham Forest manager last month but has wasted no time in returning to the game, stepping in to renew acquaintances with Peter Ridsdale at Barnsley.

Ridsdale was Leeds chairman during Hart’s spell as a youth coach at Elland Road and in his current role as Barnsley chairman, confirmed today’s management shake-up.

In a statement on the club’s official website, www.barnsleyfc.co.uk, he wrote: “Despite the fact that Gudjon had started the season in very difficult circumstances, any manager is always judged on results.

“Only one win in the last 13 league and cup matches has meant that a play-off place, which for much of the first half of the season, looked a distinct possibility, now looks less certain.

“We have therefore decided to act now to give us time to both attempt to get back into a play-off position this season and almost equalling important, give our new manager the time to get to know the strengths and weaknesses of the playing squad so that we can rebuild in the summer for next season.

“This afternoon we came to an agreement with Paul Hart to become our new manager. Paul takes up his duties immediately and will be in charge of the team for Saturday’s game versus Luton Town.”