Talking points from Stockport game

Poor first half 

The Reds started off the match very sloppily, as Stockport looked stronger needing at least a point to guarantee a play-off place. Barnsley struggled to build from the back at times, often gifting the ball away in dangerous positions. When successful and done quickly, it allowed Barnsley to get up the pitch, however when it failed it left them very exposed. That’s one of various issues with Hourihane’s possession-based approach, and a return to a more direct, high-pressing approach could be better for the squad next campaign. The first goal was inevitably going to come for the visitors however; Barnsley did improve slightly after it. The Reds had just three shots in the first half, and just the one on target. 

Another pen conceded 

Barnsley conceded yet another penalty, and it was rather soft as Eoghan O’Connell was penalised for a foul on Josh Stokes. Conor Hourihane’s former teammate Oliver Norwood tucked it away past Kieren Flavell, and it was the ninth spot-kick Barnsley have given away, whilst they have also conceded all nine. On the flip side, they have been given just two penalties themselves and have certainly not had much luck with officials this campaign. 

Emotional send off 

It was an emotional day for Barnsley head coach Conor Hourihane, who managed his final match as head coach before departing. He received a warm applause from those who stayed after the final whistle while walking around the pitch with his daughters. It hasn’t worked out this season unfortunately, however Hourihane is still a respected figure within the Barnsley fanbase who deeply cares about the football club. One must wonder what is next for the young head coach, who has received invaluable experience so early in his coaching career. Other players also walked around the pitch with their families, and the loudest cheers were for cult hero David McGoldrick, whose contract expires at the end of the season, and it is unknown whether he will be offered a new deal. 

Onto next season 

It been a bad season overall for Barnsley, finishing in a lowly 15th in England’s third tier. It is the fifth straight season The Reds have ended up in a lower position than the previous campaign, and action must be taken to stop the rot. A start would be to finalise a new head coach, and release a sensible retained list in which Adam Phillips, who played well against Stockport and scored a header, has the one-year option on his contract extended. I also think Barnsley could do worse than to offer Eoghan O’Connell a new deal, as he has looked an assured defender for the level. Daniel Stendel has been linked with the vacant head coach role; however, it remains unclear who it will be until it’s announced by the club.