Why David McGoldrick has joined Barnsley FC - He's revealed one key reason | OneFootball

The two former teammates are back together following the forward's move to Oakwell.

David McGoldrick has revealed Conor Hourihane's influence on his decision to sign for Barnsley after leaving Notts County.

The former Republic of Ireland international's move to back to Meadow Lane a couple of summers ago from Derby County felt as if it was one that would see him stay with the League Two side for the rest of his career after starting his playing days with the Magpies.

Based on his performance, he obviously didn't need to drop down to the fourth tier after scoring 22 goals in League One with the Rams. Now he is back in his old division with a new club.

It came as a surprise to many when it was revealed that McGoldrick had turned down Notts' offer and would be heading elsewhere.

When it was confirmed on Wednesday evening that Oakwell was where he was heading, having penned a one-year deal, it suddenly all made sense, with a reunion with his former Derby teammate now sealed.

David McGoldrick reveals Conor Hourihane's influence on his Barnsley decision

The 37-year-old confirmed that Hourihane's presence as the head honcho in the Tykes' dugout swayed him towards his move to Yorkshire.

"I’m delighted to be joining Barnsley and linking up with Conor again," said McGoldrick, via Rob Staton. "This is a fantastic club with big ambitions, and I’m excited to be part of that journey."

Hourihane echoed his latest signing's pleasure at being able to work with one another again. The two Irishmen both moved to Pride Park in the same summer, 2022. The midfielder joined Barnsley as a player last summer before being made interim boss in March. He was then handed the job permanently in April.

He said: "I’ve known Didzy [McGoldrick] for many years and his football intelligence, technical ability, and eye for goal speak for themselves.

"Beyond that, he’s a top character and someone I know our younger players will look up to. Bringing in someone of his calibre gives us a real boost and I’m looking forward to working closely with him this season."

David McGoldrick is a very strong signing by Barnsley

Barnsley needed a proper goalscorer this summer and there is no doubt that they have acquired one.

We can largely disregard age with McGoldrick. Even though it's been two years since we last saw him competing in the third tier, he has done more than enough since then in League Two to prove that he is still more than capable of being a very effective EFL forward.

He is not an out-and-out nine at this stage of his career. For Notts he was used as a supplementary forward; not necessarily in effect but in position. McGoldrick would often play off of another big talisman, like Alassana Jatta. Someone of his ilk being added to Hourihane's squad will help to get the best out of the 37-year-old.