Former Ireland man Conor Hourihane returns to Barnsley

The Bandon native will take up a player-coach role. 

ON THE MOVE: Conor Hourihane. Pic: INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Conor Hourihane has returned to Barnsley in a player-coach role that will revert to solely coaching upon his retirement in two years' time.

The 33-year-old captained Derby County back to the Championship last season but is staying in League One with a view to dovetailing into the next phase of his football career.

The Corkman had already begun his coaching journey with an underage team at another of his former clubs, Aston Villa.

The former Ireland midfielder first joined The Reds in 2014 from Plymouth Argyle and quickly went on to write his name in our history books when, as captain, he led the Club to two trophies during the 2015/16 season.

The first trip to Wembley saw a win against Oxford United in the final of the Football League Trophy; before defeating Millwall in the League One Play-off final 3-1, catapulting Barnsley back to the Championship against all odds.

Barnsley started the 2016/17 Championship campaign off well with the Bandon native hitting top form, winning the EFL August Player of the Month and driving The Reds up the table, before leaving to join Aston Villa in late January 2017.

His final appearance at Oakwell came in a 3-2 win against Leeds United with Hourihane scoring the now famous match-winning free kick.

Hourihane, who has gone on to score goals at all four levels of the English Football system, captained promotion winning Derby in the 2023/24 campaign featuring on 41 occasions.

He will link up with Darrell Clarke and Martin Devaney to form a crucial part of the club's new look coaching and leadership team, performing duties on and off the pitch in a hybrid role.

Upon his return, he said: “To start the next phase of my career here, at a club I have such a history with is special to me and my family. I can’t wait to join Darrell’s coaching staff and to get back to playing on Oakwell too. It feels like I am home.” 

Head Coach Darrell Clarke added: “This is an exciting day for all of us, having Conor’s experience around the building is going to be vitally important. With over 600 games under his belt at every level including the Premier League and internationally with Ireland, there is nothing that Conor has not seen in the game and this will make him a top coach and someone our young squad can look to for guidance.

“The fact that he is also still going to be a player I can call upon makes this deal even sweeter. As soon we met last week, I knew this is someone who I would be delighted to welcome into my staff and onto my team, the hard work planning for pre-season is now firmly underway.” 

Sporting Director Mladen Sormaz endorsed the move. “We are delighted to bring Conor home as he looks to continue on to the next phase of his phenomenal career in football here at Oakwell. Barnsley, as a community, prides itself on being the place of possibilities, something Conor’s return embodies.

“We all know Conor has plenty to add on the field, his performances last season in a promotion winning side makes that abundantly clear, but his desire to bring the same standards to his coaching career is impressive. Not many clubs are in the fortunate position of having a senior player with an excellent reputation for professionalism, dedication and passion for the game return to begin a coaching career while still being able to contribute as part of the playing squad. We welcome Conor and we are excited to be part of his continued journey, and to reconnect him with our passionate fans.”