Next Barnsley manager: Ex, Tottenham, Celtic, Bolton and Derby County men favourites

Former Tottenham Hotspur and Celtic bosses are in the running to replace Darrel Clarke as Barnsley manager after the 47-year-old was sacked from his role this week.

The Tykes sit 10th in the League One table with four defeats in a row proving a blow to play-off hopes. Barnsley are now eight points off the top six and have given the role to former player Conor Hourihane on a temporary basis until the end of the season.

A Barnsley statement read: “Barnsley Football Club can confirm that Darrell Clarke has been relieved of his duties as Men’s First Team Head Coach.

“Appointed in May 2024, Darrell has overseen 44 games in charge of the Reds. He leaves the Club currently positioned tenth in League One, eight points outside the play-off places. Conor Hourihane will take charge of the Men’s First Team until the end of the season. He will be assisted by Jon Stead and Martin Devaney alongside Tom Harban, who will step up from the Under-21s setup.”

Chairman, Neerav Parekh said, “We would like to thank Darrell for his efforts in a season which has been difficult for various reasons. Darrell has worked extremely hard to try and get the team competitive and pushing for promotion, unfortunately, we find ourselves eight points away from the play-offs and feel that a change is needed.”

With Charlton Athletic and Leyton Orient both competing for a place in the League One play-offs, there’s plenty of London interest in the situation around Oakwell. A permanent appointment looks likely to come at the end of the season but there are plenty of familiar faces linked, including a current Tottenham Hotspur first team coach.