We are pleased to announce the addition of Jon Stead to our coaching staff at Oakwell.
Appointed as Assistant Coach, Jon Stead will work closely with Martin Devaney and the pair will assist new Head Coach, Neill Collins.
Khaled El-Ahmad, CEO of Barnsley Football Club, commented on the completion of the coaching staff personnel: “We are happy to be able to bring Jon to Oakwell to work with the current First Team staff.
“His relationship with Neill is important as the staff look to settle at the Club, whilst having the experience and support of Martin to count on within the mix. Furthermore, Jon is a local lad who understands the fabric of the area and the importance of this club to the people of Barnsley.
“We are now excited to progress with Neill and Jon working with the strong backroom staff we currently have at Oakwell.”
Stead is a figure familiar within the South Yorkshire football scene, having represented the Sheffield United 47 times as well as Notts County, Bristol City, Bradford City and Huddersfield Town.
The Huddersfield-born former striker has worked with Collins at Tampa Bay Rowdies since the start of 2022 and returns to England with Collins to lead the Reds.
Stead added: “I am extremely excited to be joining Barnsley Football Club. To continue to work with Neill was very important to me so this is the perfect opportunity for me and my family. I know the club well; I grew up less than 15 miles from Oakwell and my youngest daughter was born in Barnsley, so I understand the club’s importance to the people of Barnsley and the community. I’m thoroughly looking forward to getting to work!”
Also assisting Collins and remaining at Oakwell is Martin Devaney. The 43-year-old joined the Reds as a player in 2005, going onto make 174 appearances in a Barnsley shirt. Departing the club in 2011, Devaney returned to Oakwell as a coach in 2015 to join the academy setup. Working his way through the age groups, 'Davers' became First Team Coach last season and will now assist our new Head Coach, Neil Collins.
Tom Fawdry remains as the Director of Goalkeeping, with Matt Cook leading our Sports Performance & Analysis department; supported by James Walsh as Physical Preparation Coach and Thomas Yeomans as Performance Analyst.
Vikki Stevens will continue to lead the Medical Services department at Oakwell and be the Lead Physiotherapist, supported by physiotherapist, Gavin Walker.
Our new coaching staff will commence work next week. We wish Jon Stead a warm welcome to Oakwell.
