We are delighted to announce key additions to Conor Hourihane’s backroom team ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. Highly rated Blackpool coach and former Republic of Ireland International Richard Keogh will join the Reds as Assistant Head Coach. Keogh, who made over 750 appearances across his career has impressed on the staff at Bloomfield Road, firstly with Neil Critchley before becoming interim head coach in August and finally working with Steve Bruce last season. Tom Harban will be permanently promoted to Conor’s first team staff after being a key part of the academy set-up since 2013. Barnsley born Harban, also started his career as a player at his boyhood club in 2004 and stepped up to work with Conor last season following the departure of Darrell Clarke. First Team Analyst, Ed Davies will now oversee set-pieces. Jon Stead, Matt Gilks and Elliott Turner all leave the Club following the end of their contracts. Arriving with former Head Coach, Neill Collins in 2023, Stead departs Oakwell and said, "I would like to thank Barnsley FC for the last two years. I would like to publicly express my gratitude to the staff, players and supporters and wish everyone involved with Barnsley FC success moving forward but I am now excited to explore new opportunities." Head Coach, Conor Hourihane said, “Firstly I want to thank Jon, Matt and Elliott for their hard work and dedication, it has been a great experience to work with them, but all parties felt a fresh approach was needed. “I’ve known Richard for a number of years, he is a natural leader and his reputation as a coach has grown massively in the past year. I’m looking forward to working with him again and I know he has the experience, and the skill set required to help me implement my vision for how I want the team to play. “I’m also delighted that the club has allowed me to confirm Tom Harban’s role with the first team. Ever since I volunteered with the academy a few years ago, I have been impressed with Tom and I could see how he could improve the players day by day. He worked with me tirelessly towards the end of last season and he deserves his opportunity to step up. Tom is great on the grass, but he also has a great relationship with the analysts within the first team set up which is crucial." A further announcement will be made regarding the appointment of goalkeeping coach and Head of Performance. Continue reading...
