League One boss makes admission about Aston Villa hero as career winds down

Former Aston Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane is gradually transitioning in to a coach as he winds down his career at Barnsley.

The 33-year-old re-joined the Tykes in the summer, and there was a lot of excitement surrounding his return, having helped guide Derby County to promotion last season. Hourihane though has been limited to just two appearances so far, and his last outing came at the end of August.

His manager Darrell Clarke has revealed that Hourihane’s passion now lies with coaching, rather than playing, though he is still registered as a player. Hourihane has had a 15-year playing career which has seen him hold his own in the Premier League and the Championship.

“I am in regular dialogue with Conor and we are speaking every single day,” said Clarke to the Yorkshire Post.

“Conor’s passion now is more into his coaching than playing, it’s as simple as that.

"He was always coming in as more of a coach and that was the case when I (first) sat down and had a conversation with him. I get that. He does keep himself ticking over with his fitness levels, but that’s where he sees his passion now.

"Conor is doing a terrific job on the coaching side of it and loves the fans and we will keep building that part (coaching) of his career now and then he will be used in games when we feel it is fit and necessary.”

After signing what was described as a ‘multi-year deal’ by the club back in June, it appears Hourihane is preparing for his next steps for when he fully decides to retire from professional football. He was at Aston Villa from January 2017 to the summer of 2022, and made 150 appearances for the Villains, the most for any club that he has played for.

Hourihane was a key member of the Villa team that won promotion to the Premier League in 2019, and played in the top-flight for a season, before being shipped out on loan to Swansea City and Sheffield United.

His coaching responsibilities are expected to increase following the departure of Dean Whitehead. Stoke City recently appointed Narcís Pelach as head coach to replace Steven Schumacher, and as a result the Tykes received compensation, but instead of seeking a replacement, Hourihane instead will have a more hands-on role among Clarke’s coaching staff.