”Darrell Clarke would’ve known" - Exclusive: Don Goodman backs Barnsley FC new manager plans | OneFootball

Don Goodman has given his verdict on Barnsley's decision to sack Darrell Clarke

Don Goodman has claimed that Barnsley are better off waiting until the summer to appoint a permanent successor to Darrell Clarke.

The Tykes opted for a change in manager earlier this week, placing Conor Hourihane in charge of the team on an interim basis.

The Yorkshire outfit are chasing a top-six finish in League One this season, but have fallen behind in recent weeks after a poor run of form in Clarke’s final weeks in charge.

Hourihane has no previous managerial experience, but was part of the coaching staff under the 47-year-old.

Don Goodman gives Barnsley manager verdict

Goodman has claimed that a failure to push for a play-off place was the reason behind the decision to sack Clarke, suggesting they should be in the top six after previously coming sixth and fourth in recent seasons.

He doesn’t expect Barnsley to reach the play-offs under Hourihane, but believes the club will have better options to replace Clarke by waiting until the summer.

“I think when you’re Barnsley and in League One, having gotten in the play-offs the last two seasons, you have to be pushing, really,” Goodman exclusively told Football League World.

“And Darrell Clarke would’ve known that when he took the job on.

“I think the manner of the last defeat against Blackpool was probably the straw that broke the camel’s back, in terms of costing Darrell his job.

“I mean, it appears that they’re going to allow Conor Hourihane to take charge until the summer, so that’s 10 games for him to try and bridge a six-point gap.

“There will be plenty of decent candidates around in the summer, and that will give them probably more options than if they’re either going to try and poach somebody now or try and find the right fit.

“They want front-footed, high press, attacking football.

“I think the director of football and the owners have said that, and so they’re having a think about who can bring that to the football club.

“But it’s a tall order to reach the play-offs at the minute.”

Blackpool loss made it tough for Clarke to survive

Barnsley had turned around their poor form at the end of February, but back to back defeats in Clarke’s final games proved enough to send him packing.

The Yorkshire outfit have gambled on a change in manager providing a short term boost in morale that could lead to a pick up in results.

But this is a big gamble, and it’s left an inexperienced Hourihane in charge with still a decent amount of games left in the season.