CONOR Hourihane admits he is open minded about his next step in his coaching journey.

The Bandon man will take charge of his last game as Barnsley manager this Saturday, after it was announced he will leave the club at the end of the season by mutual agreement.

Hourihane was appointed Barnsley head coach in April 2025, and was handed a two-year deal after impressing as interim boss.

He had rejoined the club in the summer of 2024 as a player/coach, before retiring from playing that December to become Barnsley’s assistant head coach – he made no secret of his desire to pursue a career in management, and got his big break 12 months ago.

But with the club mid-table in League One, both Hourihane and Barnsley feel the time is right to part ways.

‘Following discussions between the club and myself, we both felt that a change in the summer would be best to ensure a smooth transition,’ said Hourihane, who is keen to continue his coaching journey.

What his next move looks like is unknown, but the West Cork man, just 35 years old, is keeping his options open, suggesting that he is also willing to work under someone more experienced.

‘I'm really open-minded. Look, I don't want to take a break. I want to keep working.

‘I'm not ready to stop working or take six months out or whatever that looks like.

‘I really want to reflect, re-evaluate, and see opportunities that come my way. Really open to head coach roles of course because ultimately I want to be a head coach. Really open to different coaching roles, whether it's working under someone a little bit more experienced that I can gain valuable information from.

‘Really open to loads of different scenarios to be honest, just to become better, and more improved.

‘Over the next couple of years, do I want to come back to being a head coach? Absolutely, because that's what I see myself as a head coach. I see myself as the front guy that's in control of my work.

‘But am I open to different scenarios right now because I'm already in my head coach career? Yes, but we'll see what comes my way.’

When the club announced the decision, Chief Executive Officer Jon Flatman said: ‘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.’

Knowing he is leaving before the campaign finishes is ‘definitely unique’, Hourihane said, but given his service to the club as a player and coach, he’s happy it’s finishing on amicable terms

‘I think the ending to this chapter has just been very good from both sides.

‘It’s been very pleasant and nice that there’s been nothing tarnished. It’s just come to an end that we want to take different paths. It’s been absolutely fine.’

So, the curtain comes down on Hourihane’s first management role this Saturday, and he will be determined to sign off in style before he makes his next move.