Conor Hourihane facing Barnsley sack? He 'should go' after 'baffling' decisions | OneFootball

FLW's Barnsley fan pundit has shared their thoughts on whether the club should part ways with Conor Hourihane this summer

Barnsley headed into the 2025/26 League One season with high expectations, but the Tykes have fallen some way short of those and look destined for another year in the third tier.

It will be another disappointing year at Oakwell, with Barnsley's hopes of breaking into the play-off places looking increasingly slim in each passing week.

Currently sitting 13 points off sixth-placed Stevenage with seven games to go, it's not out of the realms of possibility that a top six finish can still be achieved, although it would take an almighty effort from Conor Hourihane's side.

The Irish boss has ample credit in the bank at the South Yorkshire club, having shone as a player in the red of Barnsley just about a decade ago, with his first managerial role coming with the Tykes.

In his first full season in charge, Hourihane has shown glimpses of his ability as a head coach, but with many Barnsley supporters becoming disgruntled at their side's performances, the 35-year-old is coming under increased scrutiny heading into the summer.

Barnsley could part ways with Conor Hourihane this summer after a disappointing run of form

Heading into the summer, the higher-ups in the Barnsley hierarchy will have a big decision to make regarding the future of Hourihane and deciding whether he is the right person to take the club forward.

Indeed, the former midfielder hasn't been dealt a particularly easy hand when it comes to transfers, as whilst both David McGoldrick and Reyes Cleary have excelled since joining in the summer, the departure of Davis Keillor-Dunn in January and the lack of reinvestment, particularly in forward areas, have not helped his case.

Football League World's Barnsley fan pundit, Andy, has provided their thoughts on the Irishman's position at the club and whether he is the correct person to take the club forward beyond the summer.

Andy said: "In my eyes, Conor Hourihane will always be a Barnsley legend. He was our captain that led us to two victories at Wembley in 2016, to the Johnstone's Paint Trophy and promotion to the Championship. He became our manager towards the end of last season, and I, like the vast majority of Barnsley fans, wanted him to succeed.

"We started off pretty well, and I believe he was reasonably backed in the summer and in the January transfer window, except in the latter regarding a striker or two. Instead, we merely got Tom Bradshaw but lost Davis Keillor-Dunn.

"For me, and I wouldn't speak for all Barnsley fans, but I think a number feel pretty much the same way. His team selections and where he plays players out of position, have been baffling to me. Some of the substitutions seem foolish to me, with players who are playing well coming off and players who are having a poor game staying on for the full 90 minutes.

"So, for me, the tactics are often wrong, and we have only kept three clean sheets in all competitions all season, which is clearly not good enough, and he has had the opportunity in the summer and in the general transfer window to bring in defenders. So the tactics for me are baffling, and I have reached the end of my patience, personally.

Barnsley's future remains uncertain amid Conor Hourihane's struggles at the helm

With Barnsley likely retaining their League One status yet again for next season, that remains the only degree of certainty surrounding the club for next year.

Hourihane's position at the helm is growing increasingly untenable, especially with the Tykes winning just one of their last eight league games and none of their last six, seeing their hopes of promotion deteriorate with each passing game.

If the Barnsley board do indeed decide that the Irishman is the right person to lead them into next season, then they must fully back him in the transfer market and be increasingly willing to spend money on incomings.

Without that, it's difficult to see the Tykes progressing without any real investment in the squad, especially with more and more sides in the third tier showing a willingness to buy their way out of the league.

Whether Hourihane remains at the helm next year remains to be seen, but for now, he must focus on a strong end to the campaign to give the board a good reason to keep him on.