"It is different" - Barnsley FC urged to avoid ex-Port Vale boss | OneFootball

FLW's Barnsley pundit gives his take on Rob Page's desire for the job at Oakwell.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Sunday morning brought the news that former Wales manager Rob Page is eager to take on the Barnsley vacancy.

This story was broken by journalist, Alan Nixon, who believes that the 50-year-old would be keen to take on the role come the conclusion of the 2024-25 campaign.

Currently, player-turned-coach Conor Hourihane is in caretaker charge of the Tykes after Darrell Clarke was dismissed following less than a year in charge at Oakwell. Barnsley had been in and around the play-offs for much of the season, but five wins and seven defeats in 2025 were enough for the club to part ways with him last week.

With the top six now looking like a distant memory, the club can begin planning for next year and Page may be considered for the vacancy.

Barnsley hierarchy warned against Page appointment

To get a Barnsley point of view on Page's interest in the job, Football League World spoke to their resident Tyke, Andy Symcox, who revealed that he was "unsure" about the potential appointment.

"I have to say I am unsure," said Symcox.

"He did well coaching Wales, but it is different at club level. I am aware that he has had a couple of short-term posts in management, but neither were particularly successful.

"I don't know enough about his ability as a coach to get the best out of players. So, it is a possibility, but I would hope that there are other alternatives that are a better fit."

Rob Page's CV is an unknown quantity for Barnsley

As alluded to by Symcox, an international job on your resume doesn't suggest whether you would be an ideal fit for club management.

During his four-year spell with Wales, he took them to EURO 2020 and into the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but they did not make it to EURO 2024 after Poland eliminated them in the play-off stage - a result which saw him removed from his post.

Outside of that, he has managed Port Vale and Northampton Town, where his combined record stands at 46 wins, 25 draws, and 56 losses, resulting in a points-per-game average of 1.28. This is an underwhelming record for someone whose aim at Barnsley would have to be at least a play-off spot.

Page would represent a risky appointment. On one hand, he may have gained valuable experience from his time managing Wales, which could elevate his abilities to a new level. On the other hand, his shortcomings at Vale and the Cobblers could serve as clear evidence of the challenges he faces in club management.