Conor Hourihane says he feels “emotional” after being appointed as head coach of League One Barnsley on a permanent basis.
The Tykes sacked Darrell Clarke after nine months in charge last month, after a run of seven defeats in 11 games saw them drop out of the play-off places.
Assistant coach and former Barnsley captain Hourihane, 34, was placed in interim charge, assisted by coaches Jon Stead, Martin Devaney and Tom Harban.
He has now signed a two-year contract with the option of an additonal year.
During a transitional phase, the Reds picked up just two points from Hourihane’s first four matches in charge, but gave champions Birmingham a test before going down 6-2 at St Andrew’s in the closing stages before a fine 4-1 win over Bolton on Saturday took them back up to 11th.
Chairman Neerav Parekh told the club website: “I have been impressed by Conor over the past five weeks.
“He has been a model professional and ultimately what we have seen is a change in the style of play which is much more in keeping with what we want to see from the team.
“We want an identity within the football club, a hard-working and organised team that supporters can appreciate and get behind, and I believe we have seen that in recent weeks.
“I believe that this can be a pivotal appointment for our club as we look to get back to our roots.”
Former Republic of Ireland international Hourihane skippered Barnsley to EFL Trophy success and promotion from League One during his first spell with the club before leaving for then Championship side Aston Villa in January 2017.
He won promotion to the Premier League with Villa and also captained Derby as they went back up to the Championship last season.
He retired from playing in December to become Clarke’s assistant.
Hourihane said: “It’s pretty emotional, to be honest. I’m really honoured.
“I had success as captain, and now I want success as a head coach – it’s as simple as that.
“I want to win football matches more than anyone. Step by step, the ultimate goal is to have success.”
