Hourihane retires to become Barnsley assistant boss

Conor Hourihane becomes Barnsley assistant head coach immediately

Conor Hourihane has retired with immediate effect to become Barnsley assistant head coach.

Hourihane returned to Oakwell in the summer as a player-coach, but he had not played since August.

Instead, the 33-year-old has been concentrating more on coaching, so he will now take up this role working under Darrell Clarke.

"My intention was to play, but a combination of not feeling I could perform to the standard I expected and the amazing coaching opportunity that Barnsley have provided has meant I have come to this decision," he told the Barnsley website.

Hourihane retires after making 583 appearances in his professional career since he moved to England from the Republic of Ireland as a teenager.

During his career, the midfielder played league football for Plymouth Argyle, Barnsley, Aston Villa. Sheffield United and Derby County as well as winning 36 caps for his country.

He came to prominence with the Tykes winning the EFL Trophy and the League One play-off final in 2016.

That form secured a move to Villa where he was eventually part of the team that won promotion back to the Premier League in 2019.

When his contract with Villa expired, he returned to League One with the Rams, where he captained them as they regained their Championship place last season before his second spell at Oakwell.

Conor Hourihane scored goals in all four divisions, including for Aston Villa in the Premier League

Now his intentions turn fully to his new role as Barnsley try to battle their way to promotion from League One where they currently sit seventh, one point outside the play-offs.

"I'm delighted with Conor's progress," said head coach Clarke.

"He is a top coach but also a mentor to a lot of young men within the club looking to replicate the career he has had."