Former Wolves, Sunderland and Sheffield United man sacked by League One club

Former Wolves defender Neill Collins has left his role as head coach of League One outfit Barnsley.

The 40-year-old was appointed as Michael Duff's replacement after he left to become manager of Swansea City. Collins was tasked with taking the Tykes one step further than last season after losing the Play-Off Final to Sheffield Wednesday last May.

Collins though will not be afforded the opportunity to manage in the play-offs should he get there. He and the club have agreed to part ways, departing one season in to the two-year deal he signed. Barnsley have one game remaining in the 2023/24 League One regular season and their place in the top six has not yet been confirmed.

His last act was to oversee a 3-2 defeat to Blackpool on Saturday, which has allowed the Seasiders a chance to overtake them on the final day. Barnsley are in fifth but could be overtaken by Oxford United, Lincoln City or Blackpool. Barnsley face Northampton Town on the final day of the season with Martin Devaney tasked with taking caretaker charge.

Commenting on the decision, Director of Football Mladen Sorma said on the official club website: “Neill has been extremely professional throughout the period with which I have worked with him, he has done everything he can do to push the team in the direction we all want Barnsley to go.

“He has conducted himself with professionalism and commitment throughout the period I have worked with him. However, with a crucial season conclusion ahead of us, we feel that now is the right time to make a change. We thank the fans for their continued support and urge you all to back the team this Saturday against Northampton. We will update supporters in the coming days."

Collins' appointment back in the summer saw him return to the United Kingdom for the first time in five years. He headed to the US to play for Tampa Bay Rowdies and then became their manager in what was just his second job.

The Scottish centre-back played for the likes of Sunderland, Sheffield United, Preston North End and Leeds United during his career. He was signed by Wolves initially on loan in November 2006 and then he joined on a permanent basis for a reported £150,000. Collins would go on to make 97 appearances for the club, winning the Championship but never going on to play in the Premier League.