Barnsley Football Club

PAUL HECKINGBOTTOM

After a successful playing career with the likes of Darlington, Bradford City, Sheffield Wednesday and indeed the Reds, Barnsley-born Heckingbottom joined the Club's coaching staff back in 2011, working under Keith Hill.

After his initial work with the youth teams, he then became first team coach whilst also managing the Reds' Development Squad.

Heckingbottom took caretaker charge of the first team after Danny Wilson was sacked by the club in 2015. He was again made caretaker after the departure of Lee Johnson to Bristol City in 2016.

During his second caretaker spell, he guided Barnsley to the Football League Trophy final, beating Oxford United 3–2 at Wembley to be crowned winners and later, he guided the Reds to the League One Play-Offs, ultimately beating Millwall 3–1 in the Final at Wembley.

His success as caretaker after leading Barnsley to winning the club's first cup final since 1912 as well promotion back into the Championship led to him being appointed permanent Head Coach.

On 15th June 2016, it was announced that Heckingbottom had signed a 12-month rolling contract as Barnsley Head Coach. The good form and results continued for much of the 2016-17 Championship season as the club ended the campaign in 14th position in the table.

Heckingbottom was awarded 'Sports Hero of the Year' by The Yorkshire Post for 2017.