We are delighted to announce that Paul Heckingbottom has today committed his future to Barnsley Football Club, signing a 12 month rolling contract to become permanent Head Coach.
‘Hecky’ took over as Caretaker Head Coach back in February and has since gone on to lead the Reds to winning the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and promotion back to the Championship in what proved to be one of the most memorable seasons ever witnessed here at Barnsley Football Club.
On signing a new contract at Oakwell, Paul Heckingbottom commented, "At the end of an unforgettable few months I am absolutely delighted to have signed as Head Coach for Barnsley Football Club. Only during the celebrations after achieving promotion, did it begin to sink in exactly what the players had achieved. They are a terrific group of lads and is important that we carry the momentum into the coming season.
We have a clear vision of how we want to continue to improve the Football Club and Patrick and the rest of the board have already demonstrated to me their commitment to achieve this. It is this united front between everyone who loves the Football Club that is one of our strengths and one of the reasons why I am so excited for the season ahead!"
Reds Chief Executive Ben Mansford commented, “We’ve enjoyed one of the most unforgettable and remarkable seasons ever here at Barnsley Football Club and it goes without saying that Paul has been instrumental in the success we have achieved. He’s one of the brightest and hard-working young coaches in the country and we’re absolutely delighted that he’s agreed to become our permanent Head Coach.”
“He’s Barnsley through and through and the connection that he has with the fan base is incredible, so I’m sure that the supporters will welcome the news and get behind him in his newly confirmed role. Paul has firmly embraced the playing philosophy and the direction in which we want to take the Club, and as a board we’ll be supporting him firmly over the coming months to ensure that we are ready to go in the Championship”.
Paul made 53 appearances as a player for Barnsley, his home town club, from 2006 - 2008, and following retirement from professional football he progressed into coaching and joined the Club’s coaching staff back in 2012. Over the past five years working as Under 18s Coach and Senior Development Coach, he has played a crucial role in the development of current first-team players and is the undoubted engineer of our recent success here at Oakwell. He has the total respect of the playing squad.
“He’s one of our own!” Paul Heckingbottom has signed up for the 2016/17 Season…have you? Get your 2016/17 Season Ticket online by clicking here, in store at the BFC Box Office or telephone 01226 211 183.
