Because we lack leadership & he has it in f.cking bucket loads? He's a man confident in his ability and doesn't give a ****? He wants good football players in his team? He likes looking at good looking men & majority of ours aren't exactly oil paintings? All valid reasons.
I would think Clarke would have a major say in who he wants as his backroom staff. I got the impression if it doesn't work with some of those already at the club (not Devaney it seems as they know each other well) then he'll want to bring his own in. Hourihanne may be a fans favourite. But for me it would be as a player come coach second. (He's certainly putting his all into the coaching side, studying set plays and all that. Clarke will have his own ideas ) I don't get the clamour and tbh. I'm not sure a bit part player fits the bill. He'll get my support if it comes off. (And the villa post seems to fit the bill more for him at this stage) but let's not pretend he is the player he was. or he'd still be at Derby. Imho As a motivator to get the best out of players. Hammill would win hands down. And be great around the place. Has he taken his badges..
The New York Times is linked in that tweet, which I think refers to this article, which says Conor's been back coaching at Villa for the past year. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5476494/2024/05/22/conor-hourihane-unai-emery-barnsley-derby-villa/ It also alludes to him going on holiday with the Derby squad, so he could be away at the minute. It's a good read to be fair, and it sounds like he's very serious about coaching, and is very well thought of. It'd be a real coup if we could get him back I reckon.
What he said in 2020. I believe he would be great around the place. "To be a coach at the Barnsley academy would be a fantastic next step for me when my playing career finishes. It’s a club I love. I think I have a lot of knowledge to pass on and I could put my own twist on training and make it fun.”
Anyone else listen to Football Heaven tonight? Seemed a pretty strong steer that Conor may be coming back. At least that's how I interpreted the tone of what was said, even if it wasn't explicit.