Aston Villa promotion winner set to depart League One club after one full campaign in charge

Conor Hourihane is set to depart his first managerial role at the end of his first full season in charge.

The former Aston Villa midfielder, who scored 29 goals in 151 games for the club, took over as interim manager for the final weeks of last season, having been a first team coach.

He was handed the job on a permanent basis back in the summer - and had the club in a decent position early in the campaign.

However, with Barnsley mid table, it has been announced that the former midfielder and Barnsley will go their separate ways in the summer.

Chief executive Jon Flatman said: “We would like to thank Conor for his hard work and commitment during his time in charge.

“After honest conversations between the Board and Conor, it was felt that the best course of action for both parties would be to pursue a fresh start ahead of preparations for the 2026/27 season.

“We are now looking to ensure a smooth transition between Conor and our new Head Coach through to the end of the current campaign.”

The Villa midfielder, who helped the club to play-off success in 2019, insisted it was best that he and the club went their own ways.

He added: “I am incredibly grateful to the Club for giving me the opportunity to begin my management journey, particularly at a Club that means so much to me.

“I want to say a massive thank you to the Barnsley supporters. I will always hold Barnsley in my heart and wish the Club nothing but the very best for the future.

“Following discussions between the Club and myself, we both felt that a change in the summer would be best to ensure a smooth transition. The main focus now is on the final five games and finishing the season as strongly as possible to provide the best platform going forward.”