Barnsley Football Club can confirm that Michael Duff has today left his position as Head Coach to join Swansea City.
Despite being offered an improved deal and contract extension prior to received interest, Duff has decided to join the Welsh outfit with two years remaining on his deal at Oakwell.
Club Chairman, Neerav Parekh, said: "As a board, we'd like to thank Michael for all his efforts over the last year. We'd also like to appreciate the professional way in which he behaved once Swansea triggered the release clause, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
“We want to reassure fans that the search for a new head coach is well underway and should be confirmed soon in order to make the most of preseason. The foundations laid down at the start of last summer ensure that we're able to compete, and regardless of departures, the club is bigger than any one individual. We promise to continue to build on the positive progress we’ve made and challenge again next season, to push for promotion back to our natural home in the Championship.
“Finally, I'd also like to thank all our loyal fans who have shown support to the new board as we focus on continuing the momentum created last season. It's been a year of many highs and lows, but your support has stayed constant, and we will strive to repay that faith.”
Barnsley FC CEO, Khaled El-Ahmad, added: “Michael has helped us work towards the vision we set out at the start of the season. We are focused on success both on and off the pitch. We are naturally disappointed to lose Michael after a promising first season in charge, but we wish him all the best for the future.
“As a Club, we are prepared for eventualities like these and are constantly reviewing the available opportunities when looking to make an appointment in this position. The recruitment process for our new Head Coach is well underway. The framework and the support structure that the board and backroom staff have already implemented provides us with a strong platform to build on as we begin preparations for the 23/24 season.”
Michael Duff said: “I’d like to start by thanking everyone from the players to Neerav, Julie Anne, Jean and Khaled for their immense support during my time at the club. I loved every minute of my time at Oakwell, and I take immense pride in the journey we all went on, starting with the loss at Plymouth and all the way to Wembley – the proudest moment of my managerial career so far.
“During the latter points of the season I learned of interest from other clubs, but my focus did not waver from Barnsley. Unfortunately, we just fell short of that goal, but I will remember that day for a very long time.
“This decision was not money-orientated. The board at Barnsley did everything in their power to make me commit to the club on an extended contract, but I am an ambitious character and after taking stock in the summer felt that this opportunity was the next natural step in my career.
“I reflect on my time with Barnsley positively and would like to think I left it in a better place than when I found it. Once again, I would like to thank the fans for their incredible support, which I’m sure will continue as the club looks to progress and kick on. Thank you. You Reds.”
Information regarding the appointment of our new Head Coach will be communicated. Pre-season preparations begin for the 23/24 campaign on Monday 26 June.
