Former Premier League midfielder Dean Whitehead has joined Barnsley as first team coach – completing Darrell Clarke’s backroom staff.
The 42-year-old former Sunderland and Stoke player worked with Clarke as a coach at Port Vale, where they earned promotion from League Two.
He then worked under former Reds boss Valerien Ismael at Besiktas and Watford – as well as a spell at Cardiff for whom he was caretaker manager.
Whitehead is set to focus mainly on the team’s off the ball work and set pieces, Jon Stead – who will stay on under Clarke – will focus on their on the ball work and player/coach Conor Hourihane will work individual players’ skills. Martin Devaney will be Clarke’s assistant and James Bittner is goalkeeper coach.
Clarke told the Chronicle: “When I came in, I wanted to assess the backroom team which is very good. But we are a big club and I want three coaches who cover different aspects. It’s vital to bring in someone of Dean’s calibre who I have worked with before, is an absolute winner and a fantastic coach with good experience. I am thankful for Mladen (Sormaz, sporting director) and the board that I have been able to do that.”
