Darren Moore installed as instant favourite to be next Barnsley manager after Conor Hourihane news
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Football Insider or go back to LFC Live.
Credit: Imago Sun 19 April 2026 12:58, UK Darren Moore has been named the instant favourite to replace Conor Hourihane at League One side Barnsley after it was confirmed that he would be leaving. Barnsley Football Club and Conor Hourihane will mutually part ways at the end of the 2025/26 season.Following discussions between both parties, it was concluded that a change would be beneficial for both parties ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.Read more: https://t.co/2OOFvKwl61 pic.twitter.com/3hYcI9MSCP— Barnsley FC (@BarnsleyFC) April 18, 2026 View Tweet MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Darren Moore leads race to replace Conor HourihaneFootball Insider exclusively revealed in March that Moore would struggle to turn down West Brom if the call arrived, but it never did.The 51-year-old has been out of work since December, when he was dismissed from his role at Port Vale after a poor run of form.
Darren MoorePort Vale 2024-2025Wins38Draws24Losses38Scored131Conceded133Moore had been hired by the Valiants in 2024 and given a massive five-and-a-half-year contract to save a relegation-threatened squad in League One. Port Vale did go down that season, but came straight back up from League Two last season after a strong campaign.
But the return to League One has been a firm reality check, with Moore’s side winning just three of their opening 22 league games.The Englishman continues to carry credit from his tenures at West Brom and Sheffield Wednesday, however, where his name in management was made.One major bookmaker has tipped Moore at 1/1 to replace Hourihane in the summer, with Darren Ferguson (6/1) and Lee Grant (8/1) also in the race.What Hourihane said after exit newsNews of Hourihane’s exit struck many fans by surprise, with the general feeling having been that he would lead the club forward.As a player, the 35-year-old made 136 appearances for Barnsley, captaining them to an EFL Trophy and League One promotion double in 2016.But results have been inconsistent, and decision-makers have decided that a new direction is the best option for the club.“I am incredibly grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity to begin my management journey, particularly at a club that means so much to me,” Hourihane said following the news.“I want to say a massive thank you to the Barnsley supporters. I will always hold Barnsley in my heart and wish the Club nothing but the very best for the future.”“The main focus now is on the final five games and finishing the season as strongly as possible to provide the best platform going forward,” he added. ⚽ League One Insider Access Direct access to our dedicated League One hubs: 24/7 intelligence from boardroom to dugout