Darrell Clarke SACKED by Barnsley as former Premier League star, 34, handed reins until end of the season

BARNSLEY have sacked manager Darrell Clarke following a horror run of form.

The League One side have won just two of their last 11 games and slipped to tenth in the table.

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Darrell Clarke has been sacked by Barnsley[/caption]

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Conor Hourihane takes over until the end of the season[/caption]

Clarke has lasted just ten months in the job and leaves the club eight points off the play-off places.

Former Premier League star Conor Hourihane will now take charge until the end of the season.

The 34-year-old ex-Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland midfielder rejoined Barnsley in a player-coach role before the start of the season.

He officially hung up his boots in December and became assistant manager.

Jon Stead, who played for the likes of Blackburn, Sunderland and Sheffield United in the Prem, will be Hourihane’s right-hand man.

On the sacking of Clarke, Barnsley chairman Neerav Parekh said: “We would like to thank Darrell for his efforts in a season which has been difficult for various reasons.

“Darrell has worked extremely hard to try and get the team competitive and pushing for promotion, unfortunately, we find ourselves eight points away from the play-offs and feel that a change is needed.”

Sporting director Mladen Sormaz said: “Darrell is someone I respect and have enjoyed working with and I’d like to thank him for his efforts this season.

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“Whilst a list of replacements has been identified, we will take some time to ensure the next appointment is the right one with a focus on playing identity, returning to high pressing and attacking football.

“We believe that Conor can help to create enough bounce to keep us fighting for the top six until the end of the season.

“We will also be working in parallel to have a new Head Coach in place over the summer.”

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