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Barnsley have plenty of work to do to ensure that they are challenging at the top end of League One in 2025/26.
It was an incredibly frustrating campaign for the Tykes last time out, and after some early form, their season started to fizzle out in the new year and frustrations started to grow at Oakwell.
By the time March rolled around, Darrell Clarke was sacked by the South Yorkshire outfit with Conor Hourihane replacing him after joining the club in the summer as a player/coach before becoming the assistant manager in December 2024.
However, the ex-Republic of Ireland international is now the man in permanent charge of Barnsley and he needs to stop a disastrous season from unfolding. Yet, with one new signing, his team will surely be pushing for a top six place in League One.
David McGoldrick is a superb signing for Barnsley
After previous interest from MK Dons, McGoldrick decided to join the Tykes in League One this summer following his departure from Notts County.
The 37-year-old is reuniting with Hourihane, having played for the Republic of Ireland, Sheffield United and most recently Derby County with the former midfield star. It was this familiarity that made the deal a formality from Barnsley’s point of view.
On the addition of McGoldrick, the club’s head coach said (via: barnsleyfc.co.uk): “I’ve known Didzy for many years and his football intelligence, technical ability, and eye for goal speak for themselves.
“Beyond that, he’s a top character and someone I know our younger players will look up to. Bringing in someone of his calibre gives us a real boost and I’m looking forward to working closely with him this season.”
Conor Hourihane has to keep David McGoldrick fit
Barnsley need to find support for Davis Keillor-Dunn, or cover for his position if he does leave, and in McGoldrick they have exactly that.
However, at 37, keeping the forward at full fitness will be tough and managing his minutes over the course of the season will be vital if they are to get the best out of him.
| Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| League One | 39 | 22 | 6 |
| FA Cup | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Carabao Cup | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| EFL Trophy | 2 | 1 | 0 |
In his most recent League One campaign, the ex-Sheffield United ace scored 22 goals and registered six assists in 39 games for Derby. If Hourihane can get the most out of his new signing as Paul Warne did, then Barnsley will be in a very strong position in 2025/26 and McGoldrick could be the signing of the summer.