Barnsley appoint Darrell Clarke as their new head coach

Darrell Clarke has been named as Barnsley’s new head coach after leaving his role at Cheltenham Town.

Clarke gained plaudits for the job he did at Whaddon Road over the past season even though he couldn’t quite keep the Robins in League One after a 2-1 defeat at Stevenage on the final day.

The 47-year-old has now been confirmed as Neill Collins’ successor after the Scot was sacked due to a poor run of results.

Neil Devaney took interim charge against Wanderers during the play-off semi-final as Bolton ran out 5-4 winners on aggregate despite a late scare at the Toughsheet Community Stadium in the second leg.

Austrian coach Dominik Thalhammer had been a target for the Yorkshire club but was reportedly denied a work permit after travelling to the UK.

Sporting director Mladen Sormaz says Clarke’s “strong track record” at this level was a major factor in choosing him as Collins’ replacement.

He told the club website: “We are pleased to bring Darrell to Barnsley, his style of play is attacking and aggressive and he has shown that he can quickly get strong performances and results at his previous clubs.

“Darrell has a strong track record in the EFL and is an ambitious head coach who has consistently been able to get teams promoted and has spent a significant period of time at each club. We believe he’s the right man to help us achieve our aim of promotion to the Championship.

“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 believe for Barnsley to be successful in the coming seasons, clear and open communication and alignment between us both will be key. I felt that Darrell deserved the opportunity come and test himself at a club which wants to push for promotion from League One.”

Clarke also had spells in charge at Bristol Rovers, Walsall and Port Vale before taking charge at Cheltenham last September.

He added: “I'm absolutely delighted, can’t wait to get started. I’m proud to be managing this football club, I’m really looking forward to it.

“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.”