Barnsley appoint Cheltenham's Clarke as head coach

Darrell Clarke almost led Cheltenham Town to safety in League One last season after joining with the club winless in 10 games

Barnsley have appointed Cheltenham Town boss Darrell Clarke as their new head coach on a two-year deal with the option of a further year.

The 47-year-old has left the Robins to take up the position at Oakwell following Neill Collins' departure shortly before the end of the League One regular season.

Clarke links up with Martin Devaney, who recently signed a new deal as Barnsley's assistant head coach having guided them in the recent play-offs.

"I didn't need to be sold on the club. It's got huge potential and I'm excited to get myself going and get the squad rebuilt and try to push on for a promotion challenge," Clarke told the club website.

"I'm proud to be managing this football club. I'm really looking forward to it."

Clarke's arrival in South Yorkshire comes after Barnsley agreed compensation with Cheltenham, where he had a year left on his contract.

Cheltenham said that they had offered Clarke an extended deal with improved terms, but he turned that down.

"We would like to thank Darrell for his contribution since arriving at the club back in September and wish him well in his future endeavours," a Cheltenham statement said.

Clarke could not quite guide the Robins to safety in League One, but he improved their results after his arrival, during a season in which the club failed to win or score in their opening 10 games.

He led the club to 42 points from his 36 games in charge as they missed out on safety by two points.

'I had the most immediate connection with Darrell'

Clarke arrives at Barnsley off the back of the Tykes' League One play-off semi-final defeat by Bolton Wanderers.

Despite their failure to reach Wembley, Barnsley won the second leg at Bolton.

Barnsley sporting director Mladen Sormaz said: "After a thorough search including meeting with a number of candidates in person in recent weeks, I had the most immediate connection with Darrell and appreciated how open and direct he was when we spoke.

"I felt that Darrell deserved the opportunity to come and test himself at a club which wants to push for promotion from League One.

"Darrell's personality, vision for the project and excitement for the challenge have set him apart from other candidates and I am sure our supporters will join me in welcoming him to the club."