[BFC SITE] 2025/26 PLAYING LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE

Barnsley Football Club can confirm that Luca Connell has been named Club captain ahead of the 2025/26 season.


The midfielder, now entering his fourth campaign at Oakwell, will take on the armband as part of a leadership structure put in place by Head Coach Conor Hourihane and his staff.

Connell has consistently led by example with his performances and professionalism, and his influence within the squad continues to grow. His appointment is a reflection of the strong culture and clear expectations being built ahead of the new campaign.

LEADERSHIP GROUP CONFIRMED


Alongside Connell, a leadership group has been established at Oakwell to support the squad throughout the season. The group includes:

• 
  Marc Roberts
  
  
• 
  Josh Earl
  
  
• 
  David McGoldrick
  

Sporting Director Mladen Šormaz said, “This is an important moment in the Club’s continued development. Naming Luca as captain, supported by a group of experienced and grounded players, reflects the type of culture we are building - one that values responsibility, resilience, and unity.

"As we continue to develop a young and ambitious squad, leadership like this helps create the environment needed for players to grow and succeed. It’s not just about one voice - it’s about building a collective mentality that reflects what Barnsley Football Club stands for.”

Head Coach Conor Hourihane added, "The continuity of having Luca as captain is extremely important. His application, drive and intensity that he has trained with over the course of pre-season has been first class for everyone to see.

"Our new leadership group will be integral with the amount of experience that David McGoldrick, Marc Roberts and Josh Earl have in football to help the dressing room and support Luca. The four of them together will manage the dressing room, if I need to lean on them for anything or if they need to come to me - they know that the door is always open for me to help them."



All three bring valuable experience at this level and will provide support both on and off the pitch as the Reds prepare for the campaign ahead. Together, they’ll help set the tone in what promises to be a competitive and demanding season.

The Club would like to congratulate Luca on his re-appointment as captain, and to acknowledge the important roles Roberts, Earl and McGoldrick will play in the upcoming campaign.

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Didzy stepping up already. Top guy.

 

He's probably been told he can be a coach in 3 months after his legs have gone