Barnsley FC announce that Martin Devaney has mutually agreed to part ways from his role as Assistant Head Coach with immediate effect. Devaney, who first joined the Club as a player in 2005 from Watford, began his coaching career at Oakwell with the Club's academy in November 2015 before stepping up to the first team in 2022. The 44-year-old has twice held the role of caretaker manager. Sporting Director Mladen Sormaz said, “We’d like to thank Martin for his dedication over the years within both the academy and the first team. Martin is a Barnsley legend from his time as a player and coach and therefore will always be welcome at Oakwell, we wish him every success for the future.” Martin Devaney commented, "I would like to thank everyone at Barnsley Football Club for the many years of support, trust and shared experiences. After open and honest discussions, the club and I have mutually agreed that now is the right time to part ways. "Barnsley has been a huge part of my life – not only as a coach, but a player, caretaker manager and someone who has proudly worked across the academy and development squads, and I am particularly proud to have witnessed my son progressing through the academy system. "It is an honour to have been able to represent this club in various capacities. Barnsley means a great deal to me and always will. I leave with great memories, from pulling on the shirt as a player, helping guide the next generation of Barnsley players and securing my first win as caretaker manager against Bolton Wanderers last year. The journey has been one full of immense pride and learning. "I would like to thank the owners, especially the Cryne family Patrick, Jean and James the executive team and all of the staff I have worked alongside over the years – I am equally grateful to the players for their trust and commitment throughout our time working together. Most of all, thank you to the Barnsley supporters for their unwavering passion and support. You make this club what it is. "I will take away valuable experiences and lessons that will undoubtedly serve me well in the next chapter of my career. I wish everyone connected to Barnsley Football Club the very best for the future. It will always be a source of great pride to have been a part of Barnsley Football Club’s history". Continue reading...
Given that he wasn't trusted to take on the job it was inevitable. Hopefully he can progress with a fresh start.
Thanks for 20 years loyal service Martin, very best wishes for your future career. You'll always be a Barnsley legend - who can ever forget that cross against Chelsea, or the time you put Gareth Bale on his arse
Think the 2 crosses against Liverpool and Chelsea are among the best I have seen in 50 years of watching football.
Good luck for the future Disco. A fresh start somewhere else may be just what he needs. The change begins. My most memorable moment. Was when he went on a mazy run and scored at Bradford.
Right decision that although I thought Devaney might go back to the academy. It’s a good sign that Conor gets to pick his own coaching staff. Hopefully he gets a say in players too….
Very sad, but inevitable and probably needed to happen, odd timing, why not see the season out. Hopefully Stead is next at least.
Interesting news in the long running soap opera that is Barnsley FC. Did Devaney get annoyed that Hourihane got the job before him? Did Hourihane not want Devaney on his staff? Does Devaney have another job lined up? Or has Devaney just decided his times up with the reds & wants out? I don’t know but I’m looking forward to all the gossip
Sad to see him go as he seems a terrific bloke but I think a shake up of the coaching staff is well and truly needed.
I reckon Hourihane has had a two way discussion when taking the job and has made some demands. It's always best to strike when you're first appointed recruitment wise as that's when you receive most backing in terms of coaching personnel and transfers.