SIMON Davey will take the reigns of the Reds' Academy next week after his appointment at Oakwell. The 35-year-old Welshman started his professional career with Swansea City in 1989, match 58 appearances for the Swans before joining Carlisle United three years later. A popular figure at Brunton Park, Simon skippered the Cumbrians during his 137 games and his 23 goals tempted Preston to splash out £125,000 to secure his services in 1995. Apart from a brief loan spell with Darlington in 1997, Simon spent the rest of his playing career at Deepdale, playing 122 times and netting 22 goals from midfield before retiring through injury. Simon moved into coaching after hanging up his boots and worked with the youngsters at Preston under the watchful eye of current Everton boss David Moyes and former Scotland manager Craig Brown. He left Preston earlier this summer. Barnsley Football Club will appoint Simon Davey as its new Academy Manager from July 3, 2006.