DARRELL Clarke says Dean Whitehead took ‘an opportunity he couldn’t turn down’ to join Stoke City this week and that Conor Hourihane’s ‘passion’ is now for coaching over playing.
Whitehead, who joined Clarke’s coaching staff in July after they worked together at Port Vale, has returned to Stoke, where he spent much of his playing career.
He is due to work under new boss Narcis Pelach who replaced Steven Schumacher this week.
Whitehead was brought in to work on Barnsley’s off the ball game as well as defensive set pieces.
Clarke said: “I am very disappointed he’s gone. He’s a great lad and I understand Stoke is his club. He spent a lot of time there as a player. It was an opportunity he couldn’t turn down. The club has been compensated. We wish Dean all the best. I still have a good team of coaches around me.”
The remaining first team coaches are assistant Martin Devaney, Jon Stead and player/coach Hourihane who will now take a ‘broader role’.
Midfielder Hourihane, a legend from his first spell at the club, returned in the summer but has played just twice – as a substitute on the opening day against Mansfield then starting against Northampton later in August due to injuries.
Clarke said: “I have regular dialogue with Conor. We speak every single day. His passion now is more coaching than playing. It’s a simple as that. He was always coming in as more of a coach.
“He keeps his fitness levels ticking over but his body is not what it used to be – they are Conor’s words not mine.
“Conor is doing a terrific job on the coaching side and he will be used in games when necessary.
“I said in the summer he would play ten to 15 games. He’s had one start so far.
“I understand the fans have seen him be a fantastic player. He’s an honest lad and massive asset for the club.
“At the minute I have really good options in midfield and we’re developing players for the club.”
Could Barnsley bring in another coach? Clarke said: “We will see how things develop over the next few weeks. Conor will do more coaching and we will see how that step up works. No one sits comfortably here. We work and push each other to try to get the right solutions to the problems we have.”
Whitehead’s departure was announced on Wednesday, the day after he had been in Clarke’s dugout for the EFL Cup loss against Manchester United.
