Barnsley FC news: West Brom deal done, Brighton player wanted, Richard Keogh claim | OneFootball

Barnsley FC are preparing for their first season under the management of Conor Hourihane.

Barnsley FC are preparing for their first full season under the management of Conor Hourihane.

He took charge part-way through last term, as the Tykes struggled to a mid-table finish.

The Irishman now turns his attention to building a squad he wants for the upcoming campaign and replacing some of the more experienced talent leaving the club with younger alternatives.

Here we take a look at all the latest headlines surrounding the Tykes:

Reyes Cleary signs from West Brom

Football League World had linked Reyes Cleary to Barnsley, reporting that the club were in advanced talks to sign the West Bromwich Albion forward.

That came to fruition in short order, as the 21-year-old attacker penned a three-year deal at Oakwell with the potential for a fourth year.

He found the net six times in 20 appearances at Hartlepool United last term, and joined the Reds with a strong reputation. Cleary, who has also represented England at youth level, is exactly the sort of signing Hourihane wants to make.

Speaking to the club website, the Barnsley coach said: “I’m thrilled to have Reyes on board. He’s got great attributes - pace, power, and a natural instinct in front of goal. He’s also versatile, which gives us different options across the front line."

Links to Brighton & Hove Albion’s Mark O’Mahony

While Cleary is through the door, business is far from over for the South Yorkshire outfit. The latest link, coming from an exclusive FLW report, says Barnsley are in the race to sign Mark O’Mahony.

The Republic of Ireland age-group international is set to exit the Seagulls on loan. Barnsley have competition for the youngster, with League One rivals Plymouth Argyle, Reading, and Leyton Orient - who were first linked to O’Mahony by journalist Alan Nixon - all in contention.

He scored three times during a loan spell at Portsmouth last term, and enjoyed a stint at Cork City before being snapped up by Premier League Brighton. He is now set for a term in League One to continue his development.

Barnsley kick off pre-season and release kit

Away from the transfer mill, Barnsley have begun their preparations for the upcoming campaign in earnest.

Davis Keillor-Dunn, Robson Woodcock and Neil Farrugia, all scored as Hourihane’s men beat Emley AFC of the eighth-tier 3-0. They face Worksop Town next, who were promoted into the National League North (in the sixth tier of English football) last season.

Elsewhere, the Tykes have unveiled their red home strip. The Investment Rom are the front of shirt sponsors, while the Weston Park Cancer Charity sit on the sleeve.

The kit, made by Oxen, is accompanied by hooped socks and white shorts.

Ex-Derby County skipper Richard Keogh settling into coaching staff

Richard Keogh will be a part of Hourihane’s backroom staff for the upcoming season, adding more knowledge and playing experience to his team. A former international teammate of the Barnsley boss, the 38-year-old moved to Yorkshire in May after a spell on the staff of Steve Bruce at Blackpool.

Speaking to the Red’s in-house YouTube channel, he spoke about his connection with Hourihane.

"Conor is a fantastic person, first and foremost and I think that’s really good. We’ve had some intense conversations in the office because we just love football and learning and trying to think what is best for the group,” Keogh said.