Barnsley Appoint New Manager

[Huckerbys right foot]

Barnsley have appointed caretaker manager Simon Davey as Andy Ritchie's successor with immediate effect.

Ritchie was sacked in November, with the club second from bottom in the Championship table, but Davey has taken the Tykes out of the relegation zone.

The 36-year-old stepped up from his previous position in charge of the club's academy.

"It's an absolute honour to be asked to manage a club of this stature," Davey told Barnsley's website.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed being in charge for the last month and I cannot wait to move things forward."

Since taking the helm, Davey has won three and drawn two of his eight games in charge at Oakwell.

Davey said he would conclude discussions with club chairman Gordon Shepherd about the terms and length of his deal in the next week.

"Now is the time for the whole club to pull together and unite in our aim of staying in the Championship," he added.

"The players have been tremendous over the last month and I'm sure that work ethic will remain.

"The board have been loyal to me and it's a tremendous honour to have the future of this club in my hands.

"Hopefully the decision will settle the players down a little as they know now they have to impress me on the training field and on the pitch if they are to get a place on the team."

The Welshman had spells with Swansea, Carlisle, Preston and Darlington during his playing career.

After retiring in 2000, Davey moved into coaching with Preston and took up his role with Barnsley's academy in the summer of 2006.

But it was not long before he was asked to become caretaker manager following Ritchie's departure.

"The board are delighted to announce the appointment of Simon Davey," read a short statement on Barnsley's website.

"This decision will allow strengthening to commence promptly in the January transfer window."

Source: BBC Sport


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