Top six favourites to become new Barnsley head coach with club keen on 43 year old

The top six favourites to become new Barnsley head coach has been revealed with the club said to be keen on 43 year old Martin Devaney.

Alan Nixon stated in his article about Patreon, that first team coach Martin Devaney is likely to be a candidate for the job.

This would be an internal appointment, and knows the club well, having been a former player for them between 2005 and 2011.

After retiring years later, the fan favourite became the Professional Development Phase coach for the Tykes in November 2015.

After Poya Asbaghi was sacked as boss at the end 2021-22 season, he was named as caretaker, before Duff was appointed, with Devaney joining the coaching staff as a first-team coach.

The report goes on to say Barnsley may be promoting from within this time, instead of hiring an outsider.

FAVOURITES TO BECOME NEW BARNSLEY BOSS:

BetVictor – 23 Jun – 12pm
Danny Cowley – 4/1
Steve Cotterill – 6/1
Lee Bowyer – 8/1
Leam Richardson – 8/1
Dave Challinor – 12/1
Luke Williams – 12/1
Darren Moore – 14/1
Martin Devaney – 14/1
Chris Wilder – 16/1

BetVictor – 23 Jun – 3pm
Martin Devaney – 1/1
Steve Cotterill – 6/1
Darren Moore – 6/1
Danny Cowley – 16/1
Kevin Phillips – 20/1
Dave Challinor – 20/1

Their hierarchy is said to want to promote Devaney because he has the ‘club in his heart’.

This comes as Michael Duff leaves for Welsh outfit Swansea City on a three-year deal.

In a statement, the Reds said that he was offered an improved deal and contract extension ahead of interest from the Swans.

Club Chairman, Neerav Parekh, said: “As a board, we’d like to thank Michael for all his efforts over the last year. We’d also like to appreciate the professional way in which he behaved once Swansea triggered the release clause, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours.about:blank

“We want to reassure fans that the search for a new head coach is well underway and should be confirmed soon in order to make the most of preseason. The foundations laid down at the start of last summer ensure that we’re able to compete, and regardless of departures, the club is bigger than any one individual. We promise to continue to build on the positive progress we’ve made and challenge again next season, to push for promotion back to our natural home in the Championship.

“Finally, I’d also like to thank all our loyal fans who have shown support to the new board as we focus on continuing the momentum created last season. It’s been a year of many highs and lows, but your support has stayed constant, and we will strive to repay that faith.”

Barnsley are now looking for their 8th full-time head coach in 5 years.

Days in charge of last seven coaches: 373, 155, 126, 245, 323, 490 and 80.

That makes it very, very difficult to have sustained progress on the pitch over time. #barnsleyfc

— Leon Wobschall (@LeonWobYP) June 22, 2023

🔴⚪️Barnsley’s FC’s search for Michael Duff’s replacement ‘well under way.’

⚽️Some interviews already planned.
⚽️Swansea City to make announcement on Duff’s coaching staff in ‘due course.’#barnsleyfc https://t.co/B6jnCCFDLQ pic.twitter.com/76u5C6RqUo

— Leon Wobschall (@LeonWobYP) June 23, 2023

Barnsley FC CEO, Khaled El-Ahmad, added: “Michael has helped us work towards the vision we set out at the start of the season. We are focused on success both on and off the pitch. We are naturally disappointed to lose Michael after a promising first season in charge, but we wish him all the best for the future.

“As a Club, we are prepared for eventualities like these and are constantly reviewing the available opportunities when looking to make an appointment in this position. The recruitment process for our new Head Coach is well underway. The framework and the support structure that the board and backroom staff have already implemented provides us with a strong platform to build on as we begin preparations for the 23/24 season.”

Michael Duff said: “I’d like to start by thanking everyone from the players to Neerav, Julie Anne, Jean and Khaled for their immense support during my time at the club. I loved every minute of my time at Oakwell, and I take immense pride in the journey we all went on, starting with the loss at Plymouth and all the way to Wembley – the proudest moment of my managerial career so far.

“During the latter points of the season I learned of interest from other clubs, but my focus did not waver from Barnsley. Unfortunately, we just fell short of that goal, but I will remember that day for a very long time.

“This decision was not money-orientated. The board at Barnsley did everything in their power to make me commit to the club on an extended contract, but I am an ambitious character and after taking stock in the summer felt that this opportunity was the next natural step in my career.

“I reflect on my time with Barnsley positively and would like to think I left it in a better place than when I found it. Once again, I would like to thank the fans for their incredible support, which I’m sure will continue as the club looks to progress and kick on. Thank you. You Reds.”

Swansea City is delighted to confirm the appointment of Michael Duff as the club’s new head coach.

👉 https://t.co/7sK5OR5DVa pic.twitter.com/ZNsSIsbBG8

— Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) June 22, 2023

“Michael has a proven track record of galvanising a group of players into a collective unit, and he has consistently outperformed expectations at his previous clubs,” said Swansea City chairman Andy Coleman.

“Every conversation I had with him only reinforced the view that he is exactly the type of leader we need here at Swansea City.

“He is a proven winner, both as a player and as a manager, and I’m confident he will bring that mentality here.

“I believe in his ability and his belief in the Swansea Way, while he also possesses the capability to adapt within games to drive results.

“This is a results driven business. Our position in the table matters to all of us and we are focused on supporting Michael with everything he needs to succeed.”

“We need that one team mentality; the players, staff, fans, and board. Everyone needs to pull in the same direction because that’s the only way you’re going to achieve success,” said Duff.

“I’ve had seven promotions in my career as a player and manager so I know what an environment should look and smell like.

“I want to play good football and I know that there is an expectation of that at this football club, but it’s about evolving it, moving it and being a bit more on the front foot and a bit more progressive at times.

“It’s about getting the balance of all those things because ultimately it’s a winning business. You’ve got to win.

“I’ve come in with my eyes wide open in terms of the managers who have been here before,” he added.

“If you look at my previous teams, you’ll see we’re aggressive and in your face, we’ll go and press but we look to play football as well.

“I see a lot of good footballers and a lot of talent in the dressing room, so if we can add to that then I see an opportunity to do something.

“Everyone needs to be pulling in the same direction. Everything is about the team.”

“I’m excited to get going and meet the players, because that’s when it’ll really kick in when you’re on the grass anddoing your job,” he said.

“There were lots of reasons I wanted to come to Swansea; the step up in level, but also the infrastructure that’s already at the football club, and speaking to the owners and the ambition they’ve got for the club it matches my own ambition.

“My immediate aims are to get a helicopter view of the landscape and the players, physically and mentally. What do they look like? What is their attitude like? And that’s the same for all the staff too.

“Ultimately, we want to walk out of pre-season with a fit group of players who are fresh.

“Hopefully the supporters are as excited as I am. Hopefully we’re going to see some really good football which is a little bit more on the front foot.

“We need the supporters as much as they need us and if we both turn up every week, then hopefully we’ll get more wins than losses.”

Here’s what fans are saying the top six favourites to become new Barnsley head coach are revealed with the club keen on 43 year old Martin Devaney…

@donnytykes: Please fucking no

@Rzeezee1: No!

@thetykester: ramsey as manager devaney assistant

@amaredased: I 100% agree we need experience right now but let’s not disrespect the guy as he’s one of us and he may become a good manager at some point in his career (if he gets a proper chance)

@IFA_JNorth: What an awful list… none of those please.

@brynwilliams81: Moore, Wilder or Little Lee for me

@eyup_mate: It’ll be Devaney. Cheaper option and scapegoat if things go pear-shaped

@DCorbridge: I’d give Martin Devaney and Bobby Hassell a go.

@carlleonard2: Challinor 🤞🏻

@baileyhopo:
This 👇🏼
Love Devaney think he’s an amazing assistant coach but he’s just not got the experience to take us to the championship as the main man.

@BenIley2004:
Dear @BarnsleyFC,
For the love of God do not appoint Martin Devaney.
Yours sincerely,
Every Barnsley fan with half a brain cell and who doesn’t stalk players

One of Eric Ramsay or Martin Devaney are most likely to take the Barnsley job.

They are the two being considered by Barnsley. #BarnsleyFC #BFC pic.twitter.com/mJUlxHWgjy

— Ross (@RossAftbl) June 23, 2023