The search for a new manager at Oakwell continues. So far, Barnsley’s significant recent managerial decision does not appear to have paid off.
The Tykes surprised fans last month when they announced the departure of manager Neill Collins with only one game remaining in the regular season.
Although they were able to secure a place in the League One play-offs, they were eliminated in the semi-finals by Bolton Wanderers, 5-4 on aggregate.
As a result, Barnsley was once again denied promotion to the Championship, and will now play another season in English football’s third division.
So, while the choice to make that move did not have the desired effect on the field, the hunt for Collins’ replacement does not appear to have gone particularly well.
Barnsley manager’s targets fall through
Since Collins’ dismissal, it appears that the Tykes have already passed up on more than one potential replacement in the Oakwell dugout.
Following the firing, it was claimed that Austrian coach Dominik Thalhammer had traveled to England to take over the Yorkshire outfit.
However, he was unable to do so after being rejected a work permit, forcing Barnsley to seek alternative employment.
Subsequent updates revealed that the Tykes were competing to re-sign Michael Duff, with Huddersfield Town also interested. Despite his connections with Barnsley, Huddersfield have since signed the 46-year-old on a long-term contract.
That has left those in power at Oakwell still looking for a new manager, and as the discontent mounts, it might be argued that they should now go to a former Barnsley player to fill the vacuum.
Alex Neil should be considered by Barnsley.
Alex Neil is one manager who should be on the Tykes’ agenda as they look for a new head.
The Scot has not worked since December of last year, when he left Championship side Stoke City. As a result, he may be eager to return to work, and his previous association with Barnsley – he made over 100 appearances for the Tykes between 2000 and 2004 – suggests he could be enticed by such a reunion.
Indeed, Neil has previously demonstrated his willingness to manage in League One, having taken command of Sunderland in February 2022.
As a result, the Scotsman led them to promotion to the Championship via the play-offs a few months later.
That experience of how to get out of this level may be just what Barnsley requires, and with the Tykes having reached the level One play-offs in the last two seasons, they undoubtedly have the hunger to achieve promotion that may bring Neil back to Oakwell.
It is also worth mentioning that the 42-year-old has already achieved promotion from the Championship with Norwich City, as well as stabilised Preston North End and Stoke City at the same level.
He might be the type of manager the Oakwell club requires to re-establish itself in the second tier, if they win promotion.
With that in mind, Neil provides lots of promising traits for the club in both the short and long future.
You believe that as other targets move on, Barnsley should examine the opportunity to reconcile with the Scotsman as the pressure to find a new manager rises.
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