Next Barnsley Manager Odds: Who’s The Next Manager at Oakwell? Unpacking the Barnsley Managerial Race

In a whirlwind season of tactical shakeups and shifting ambitions, Barnsley Football Club finds itself once again in the headlines—not for what’s happening on the pitch, but for who’s standing beside it.

Let’s dive into the predictions at the best football betting sites, the frontrunners, and the surprises in Barnsley’s managerial saga.

Head Coach Darrell Clarke: How Did He Beat The Competition?

Darrell Clarke, once hailed as the man to reignite Barnsley’s promotion hopes, beat out a host of high-profile candidates to take the reins in May 2024. His appointment came with optimism and a vision for revival after the club’s League One playoff heartbreak the season prior.

Clarke’s journey to the Oakwell hot seat was anything but straightforward. With seasoned names like Neil Lennon, Ian Evatt, and even club legend Michael Duff circling the rumour mill, bookmakers had a busy summer trading odds on who would get the nod. In the end, it was Clarke’s gritty lower-league experience and sharp tactical mind that convinced the board to hand him the role.

Fast forward to spring 2025, and that decision has come full circle. After a faltering campaign, Clarke was relieved of his duties, opening the door for a new chapter—led now by club stalwart Conor Hourihane.

The Next Manager at Barnsley: Next Permanent Barnsley Manager Betting Odds, Manager History & More

But how did the new managerial betting landscape look before Clarke’s appointment? Who were the early favourites? And what did the then – latest next Barnsley manager odds odds tell us about Barnsley’s ever-evolving identity?

Neil Lennon – 7/4

Among the frontrunners to become the next permanent manager, the former Celtic and Hibernian boss emerged as the surprise favourite, with odds of 7/4. Despite recent unsuccessful stints at Rapid Bucharest and Bolton Wanderers, Lennon’s experience made him a strong candidate. 

Ian Evatt – 2/1

The then-Bolton Wanderers manager was listed at 2/1, with high hopes of becoming the next permanent boss at the League Two team. Evatt had previously brought stability to Bolton since his appointment in 2020, narrowly missing out on promotion in previous seasons. 

Michael Duff – 10/3

A former Barnsley manager, Duff was considered for a return to become Barnsley’s next permanent head coach once again, with odds of 10/3. His familiarity with the club and previous success made him a viable option.

Des Buckingham – 4/1

The ex-Oxford United boss was further down the list at 4/1

Neil Warnock – 16/1

Despite being retired and serving in an advisory role at Torquay United, Warnock was a long-shot candidate at 16/1, possibly due to his proximity to his hometown of Sheffield

So, What Happened in the End? Who Won The Race?

Ultimately, Barnsley opted for an internal solution, appointing Conor Hourihane, who had been serving as a player-coach, as interim head coach. His familiarity with the club and leadership qualities led to his permanent appointment on 18 April 2025. 

As Barnsley looks ahead to the 2025/26 season, the club aims to build upon Hourihane’s leadership to return to the Championship.