Barnsley Manager Role Targeted by Former World Cup Boss
The role of Barnsley manager has become the target of former Wales Men’s National Team manager Rob Page following the sacking of League One sideDarrell Clarke.
The Tykes opted to part company with the former Cheltenham Town man after a run of poor results which saw them drop out of the play-off spots with nine defeats in 11.
34-year-old Conor Hourihane was then placed in interim charge until the end of the season with the club looking to start the process to recruit a new manager.
Rob Page Wants Barnsley Manager Job
Rob Page was sacked from his role as manager of the Welsh National Team after failing to qualify for Euro 2024. He was initially given the job on an interim basis following the departure of Ryan Giggs and remained in the role for four years, which included the 2022 World Cup and 2020 Euros.
However, after the World Cup Play-Off victory over the Ukraine in 2022, Wales only won five of their 22 fixtures before his sacking in 2024.
Now, according to Alan Nixon, he is looking for a return to the dugout with the Tykes firmly in his sights.
The Tyke’s Season of Inconsistency
The appointment of Darrell Clarke stood out as a strange appointment, a side that was ready to push for promotion to the Championship appointing a manager who had done well with a shoestring budget at the bottom of the table.
There was a belief that he may be able to perform better if given a larger budget and a more resources. However, he was unable to kick on from what was ultimately a mediocre season.
Clarke’s Record as Barnsley Manager
Would Page be a Good Fit for Barnsley?
Ultimately, no. Barnsley have ambitions of once again pushing for promotion, and need someone who can navigate what is one of the most difficult leagues in English Football. Whilst next season is highly unlikely to have the likes of Birmingham City the division is only getting stronger.
The line between where international managers fit in terms of quality compared to their club counterparts is blurred. When managing in World Cups and the Euros you have to manage and compete against some of the best players in the world and that can sometimes give a false sense of ability.
Page’s CV does not scream League One promotion winning manager and I believe the Tykes can do better at this stage.
With promotion winning managers such as Des Buckingham still available there are plenty of options.
