What Conor Hourihane really wants to do once he leaves Barnsley FC | OneFootball

Outgoing Barnsley boss, Conor Hourihane has spoken out on his future plans ahead of the summer, as his Oakwell exit edges closer.

It's been a frustrating season on the whole for Barnsley, who haven't got anything to play for in the final three games of their 2025/26 league campaign.

Barnsley's supporters can be forgiven for having high hopes this season, in what was their third season outside the Championship, after being relegated from the second tier in 2022.

The Tykes aren't heading in the right direction though, as they've finished 4th, 6th, and 12th in their last three seasons in League One, and they're struggling to build momentum this term.

Barnsley are sat 13th in the League One table, and their inconsistent run of results throughout this year's campaign has seen any hopes of a top-six finish end rather quickly.

Their struggles this season ultimately cost Conor Hourihane his job as manager, as it was announced that Barnsley and the Irishman would mutually part ways at the end of the 2025/26 season, in what was his second spell with the club, having made 136 appearances for the Tykes across a three-year spell.

Barnsley are yet to appoint Hourihane's successor, although the Oakwell faithful will be hoping that the new manager can fire them back into the Championship at the earliest of opportunities.

What's next for Conor Hourihane after life at Barnsley?

Hourihane has been a great servant to Barnsley, both as a player, coach, and most recently, a manager. He was appointed as the club's permanent manager on 18th April 2025, and his upcoming departure was announced exactly a year after being named as their new boss.

This was the 35-year-old's first spell in management, and it'll be interesting to see what future plans he has, and he's seemingly keen to get back into management in the near future.

Speaking in an interview with the Yorkshire Post, Hourihane revealed that he's not keen to take a break away from management, whilst also seeing the potential jobs that could come his way as a head coach.

"I think I'm not ready to stop working or take six months out or whatever that looks like.

"I really want to reflect, re-evaluate and see opportunities that come my way. I am really open to head coach roles, of course, because ultimately I want to be a head coach."

Hourihane makes admission on his role preference

Hourihane started his coaching career as an assistant with Barnsley, before working his way into a permanent head coach, after a brief interim spell with the Yorkshire-based side.

The Irishman admitted that he's open to other coaching roles, as he looks to further his knowledge, and gain experience from other professionals within the game.

However, he was quick to follow that up with expressing his eagerness to work as a head coach, which is clearly an area he's keen to step into for future roles in football.

"I am also really open to different coaching roles on the ladder. Whether it's working under someone a little bit more experienced that I can gain valuable information from; I'm really open to loads of different scenarios, to be honest - just to become better and more improved.

"Over the next couple of years, do I want to come back to being a head coach - whether it's now or in a few years? Absolutely, because that's what I see myself as. I see myself as the front guy that's in control of my work (ultimately)."

For now, Hourihane will be focused on the task at hand with Barnsley, as they look to finish the 2025/26 season as strongly as possible, starting with a game against Luton Town, in what is certain to be a tough test for the Tykes at Kenilworth Road, as Luton are in contention to challenge for a top-six finish.