Conor Hourihane is to leave his post as Barnsley head coach at the end of the season, the club have confirmed.
The ex-Aston Villa midfielder took over as interim manager following the sacking of Darrell Clarke in March 2025.
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However, his first full campaign in the dugout has proved disappointing with the Tykes sat 12th in League One.
Hourinhane has voiced his frustration at the lack of ambition shown by the club following the sale of top scorer Davis Keillor-Dunn to Wrexham in the January transfer window.
As a result, Hourihane and club chiefs have opted to mutually part company with the announcement coming just three hours before the club’s home clash against Bradford City on Saturday lunchtime.
A club statement read: “Barnsley Football Club can confirm that Conor Hourihane and the Club will mutually part ways at the end of the 2025/26 season.
“Following discussions between both parties, it was concluded that a change would be beneficial for both parties ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.”
Chief Executive Officer Jon Flatman added: “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.”
Meanwhile, Hourihane thanked the club for handing him his first opportunity in management and assured the fans that he is fully focused on the final five fixtures of the season.
“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,” he said.
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“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.”
Hourihane has a storied history with Barnsley having both managed and played for the club.
The 35-year-old made 136 appearances for the Tykes between 2014 and 2017 before completing a move to Aston Villa.
He wrote himself into club folklore by captaining Barnsley to the Football League Trophy 2016 as well as helping hsi side reach the League One play-offs that year.
Hourihane will take charge to two more games at Oakwell, starting with Saturday’s visit of Bradford, before what will be an emotional farewell against Stockport on the final day of the season.
