Conor Hourihane has one major problem on his hands, Barnsley are sleepwalking into a disastrous League One season

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League One outfit Barnsley have gone about their way quietly this summer; not a good sign for a club that needs vast improvements.

Coming off the back of a rather bleak league season, fans are often very demanding that widespread changes are made, whether it’s regarding personnel on the pitch or a change in club direction.

The signs for concern are ultimately there for Barnsley. A 12th-place finish in the 2024/25 League One season ultimately brought about disappointment, but it was not directed towards departed manager Darrell Clarke, who was let go following a poor run of results, nor has current boss Conor Hourihane had the finger pointed at him.

Much of the concern currently lies with the board, who have consistently been asked to back the manager by fans, and whilst a handful of low-key signings have been made in recent years, a recruitment drive is of paramount importance this summer, but so far, Barnsley have done…nothing.

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Barnsley fans have every right to be concerned this summer

So far in the summer window, seven names have departed from Oakwell, and not one is yet to be brought in. It is going to be Conor Hourihane’s first full season in management, and he will need plenty of backing from the board, but it is safe to say that he is not receiving that yet.

Admittedly, it is easy to suggest that it is harsh to put this blame on the board so early on in the window, but with the need to significantly improve on last year, you would expect the transfer cogs to be turning already.

There is no hiding the fact that Barnsley are not in the best place financially – they pulled their recently formed Women’s team out of the FA Women’s National League (tier 4) to cut costs, and whilst that decision brings about its own concerns, that money that was saved certainly isn’t set to help Hourihane with new signings.

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Lack of investments in signings increases the importance of keeping key figures

The issue with Barnsley at this moment, like many would be familiar with Hull City last season, the expectation of the top six is there from the board, but the ambitions with arrivals don’t match that. It will be a very difficult task for Hourihane to live up to those ambitions with the current state of the squad.

On a more positive note, Barnsley do still have some individuals with vast quality, those of which will need to be kept at Oakwell if progress is not made with signings.

Davis Keillor-Dunn was a shining light under both Clarke and Hourihane last season, popping up with a total of 18 goals in the League One season. Fabio Jalo is also one for the future, whilst Luca Connell has matured into a fine talent in the centre of the park. If these key men are held on to, Barnsley may have a prayer.