With Darrell Clarke out of the Oakwell hot seat, the big question on every Barnsley fan’s lips is: who’s next? The club has promised a return to high-pressing, attacking football—music to the ears of those longing for excitement after a frustrating campaign. But who’s the right person to take the reins? Let’s take a look at nine realistic candidates, their credentials, and what they could bring to the Reds.
Michael Duff
Duff is no stranger to Barnsley fans. He guided the Reds to the League One play-off final in 2023 before departing for Swansea City, a move that didn’t quite go to plan. After being sacked by the Swans in December 2023, he took charge at Huddersfield Town in May 2024. His spell there was short-lived too, as he was shown the door in March 2025 following a poor run of form.
Despite recent struggles, Duff’s previous success at Oakwell, where he instilled a disciplined, well-structured approach, means he’ll always be in the conversation. He knows the club, he knows the division, and he knows how to build a side capable of challenging for promotion. If Barnsley want familiarity and a steady hand, Duff could be a safe bet.
Paul Warne
Paul Warne is a League One promotion specialist. He won the division three times with Rotherham United and added an EFL Trophy to his cabinet in 2022. His move to Derby County in 2022 brought initial success, securing promotion in 2024. However, life in the Championship proved tough, and Warne was dismissed in February 2025 after Derby’s campaign nosedived into a relegation battle.
Warne’s man-management skills are widely praised, and he knows how to get a squad pulling together. If Barnsley are looking for a manager with a proven track record of getting teams out of this division, Warne would be one of the top candidates.
Conor Hourihane
The romantic choice. Barnsley legend Conor Hourihane is currently the interim manager, and some fans would love to see him given the job full-time. His leadership qualities as a player were unquestionable, and he was instrumental in the club’s promotion-winning campaign in 2016.
However, his coaching experience is limited. This would be a huge gamble, but if the club wants to fully embrace the emotional pull of a former hero leading them back to success, Hourihane would be the man. It would be a bold move, but one that could energise the fanbase.
Des Buckingham
Buckingham is a name that has gained traction in coaching circles for his modern, progressive approach. Having worked with Oxford United’s youth setup, the New Zealand national teams, and Mumbai City FC, he returned to England to manage Oxford, leading them to promotion in 2024. However, he was sacked later that year despite a respectable start in the Championship.
Buckingham’s teams play possession-based, attacking football, and he has a reputation for developing young talent. If Barnsley want to move towards an innovative, forward-thinking approach, he could be an exciting option.
Ryan Mason
A left-field shout, Mason is currently an assistant coach at Tottenham Hotspur and has twice been their interim head coach. Despite limited experience in senior management, he has worked at the highest level and is seen as a bright young coach with fresh ideas.
Mason is unlikely to drop into League One unless he sees Barnsley as the perfect project to start his managerial career. His tactical ideas and high standards could be a breath of fresh air at Oakwell, but it would be a bold appointment for both parties.
Luke Williams
Williams has built a reputation as a coach who plays attractive, attacking football. He guided Notts County to a club-record 107 points and promotion in 2023 before moving to Swansea City in January 2024. Although he initially steadied the ship, a poor run of results in early 2025 saw him leave his post.
He’s tactically astute and committed to possession-based football. Barnsley fans have craved an identity on the pitch, and Williams could be the man to bring that back. However, his lack of success at Swansea may count against him.
Leam Richardson
If Barnsley are looking for a steady pair of hands, Richardson fits the bill. He’s experienced in dealing with off-field challenges, having steered Wigan Athletic through financial turmoil to a League One title in 2022. His recent spell at Rotherham United was less successful, ending in relegation and his dismissal in April 2024.
Richardson prioritises defensive organisation and team spirit—qualities that could help stabilise Barnsley. If the club wants a manager who can instil resilience and structure, he would be a solid, if unspectacular, appointment.
Ian Evatt
Evatt made a name for himself at Barrow, guiding them to the EFL before moving to Bolton Wanderers. He secured promotion from League Two and led the club to a play-off final in 2024. However, after missing out on promotion to the Championship, he departed in January 2025 following a dip in form.
His teams play possession-based, attacking football, and his confidence in his methods is unwavering. Barnsley fans craving an exciting, front-foot approach could warm to Evatt, but he may be holding out for another Championship job.
Neil Lennon
Lennon brings passion, fire, and plenty of experience. He won multiple Scottish Premiership titles with Celtic, guided Hibernian to promotion, and even tasted cup success in Cyprus with Omonia. However, his most recent spell at Rapid București ended in a swift departure after just three months in 2024.
Lennon is a motivator, and his fiery touchline presence would certainly bring energy. But his managerial style can divide opinion, and his recent struggles suggest he may not be the long-term solution Barnsley needs.
Final Whistle
This is a crucial appointment for Barnsley. The club needs someone who can reinvigorate the squad, excite the fans, and deliver a clear playing identity. Whether that means turning to a club legend in Hourihane, going back to a familiar face in Duff, or opting for an innovative tactician like Williams or Buckingham, the choice will define Barnsley’s next chapter.
Who do you think should take the job? Let us know!
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