At 34 years old, Conor Hourihane has accepted the permanent head coaching position with Barnsley FC. He was appointed only a little over four months ago. Today, he wears that title with pride as the fourth youngest head coach in the English Football League (EFL). His story embodies the careful balance of preparation and passion, the harmony that must exist as one journeys from player to coach.
Aspects of Hourihane’s coaching career were launched in the 2020/21 season with their then club Swansea City. It was there that he began making plans for his post professional playing life. After Derby County decided not to renew his contract, he very soon found work down the M1 at Barnsley, taking on the role of assistant head coach. He served in this capacity under Darrell Clarke. After Clarke’s sacking in March 2023, Hourihane took up the role of interim head coach.
Within a month, his leadership resulted in a permanent replacement with a two-year contract. His imprint has been felt right away! Barnsley are now third in League One after winning each of his first three league games in charge and drawing the other. Most importantly, this includes a recent 1-0 away victory against high-flying Peterborough, demonstrating Hourihane’s skill at inspiring and organizing his team all over the park.
In his playing days, Hourihane skippered Derby to promotion from League One in the 2023/24 season. His time trailblazing on the pitch clearly transforms how he coaches today. He attributes his dedication to the art of professionalism as the ballast that’s kept him steady during painful transitions.
“I pride myself on being a very, very good professional and I knew, every single day when I came in, I had to train properly and do everything right,” – Conor Hourihane
He further emphasizes the need for time advocacy as part of this shift. Managing his duties as a player with the need to prepare for a life after baseball as a coach and instructor took plenty of commitment and sacrifice.
“I just made time. Sometimes I’d come in at seven in the morning, rather than half eight, and sat down with one of the analysts because I need to look at some training sessions or I needed to do an assignment for my A Licence,” – Conor Hourihane
His realized potential as an NFL play caller is most apparent in his commitment to ongoing improvement. Hourihane exemplifies a commitment to ongoing learning and skill acquisition.
“It was a relentless cycle of how quickly can I improve? How much can I do on the grass to get better? It just became a big road and determination to be as good as I can, as early as I can,” – Conor Hourihane
Regardless of how fortunate he’s been at the start, coaching is difficult by nature, and Hourihane knows this. The time he puts into preparation doesn’t always translate to wins come match day.
“There haven’t been too many curveballs yet, but if I had to pinpoint one thing, it would probably be the fact I do so much work to be as prepared as possible to get the lads in a really good place and then, ultimately, it doesn’t guarantee you a win and it doesn’t guarantee you a result,” – Conor Hourihane
Accepting these realities has defined his coaching philosophy. Despite these successes, he knows that preparation is key, but doesn’t guarantee success.
“Early on, I found it quite difficult to accept that. I got better at that a little bit as the role moved forward into the end of the season, understanding you can give yourself a real good chance, but does it coincide with your guarantee to win? Obviously not or else everyone would do it the same way,” – Conor Hourihane
Hourihane’s strong connection to Barnsley is clear. He finds it humbling to know the opportunity the club has provided him. He’s deeply committed to repaying their faith with an all-out effort.
“I’m very fond of the football club. I’m very fond of the opportunity they’ve given me and I want to repay them with doing this in my way and in the way that brings winning games of football,” – Conor Hourihane
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