BARNSLEY FC are hoping to have a new head coach in place before they visit Fulham in a fortnight, with the recruitment process well underway.
The Reds sacked Markus Schopp after the 2-1 loss at Bristol City on Saturday, a seventh successive defeat.
They then won 2-1 at home to fellow strugglers Derby County under caretaker Joe Laumann on Wednesday, ending their 13-game winless run.
They moved up a place to 22nd in the Championship, a point from safety, and host second-bottom Hull City tomorrow before a two-week international break.
The Reds are hoping to have a new head coach in place before their game at Fulham on November 20, ideally early enough for him to have some days of training with the team during the international break.
They are thought to be considering a fifth successive overseas appointment although, with post-Brexit employment rules making that more difficult, a first permanent British boss since Paul Heckingbottom left in 2018 is also a possibility.
Reports that Chris Wilder, the former Sheffield United manager, is set to be appointed are wide of the mark.
Ex-Barnsley defender Mick McCarthy, recently sacked by Cardiff City, is not thought to be on the shortlist despite being high on some bookmakers’ lists.
Another former Reds player, Alex Neil, has also been linked to the role after leaving Preston North End earlier this year.
Michael Flynn – who left League Two Newport County earlier this month – surged to the top of the bookmakers’ favourites list this week.
Meanwhile, Laumann has said he has not spoken to the board about whether he is a contender for the full-time job and simply knows he will be in charge of tomorrow’s vital Yorkshire derby.
He told the Chronicle: “I am a servant of the club, they asked me to do these two games and I will do my best.
“I am just excited to have this opportunity. It (Wednesday’s win) was a big night for me.
“It’s something different when you lead and you are in charge than assistant manager. I am happy and it’s a big experience for me.”
The Moroccan-born German has mainly been an assistant manager in the lower divisions of German football, before being first team coach at Oakwell under Valerien Ismael and Schopp.
But he was in charge of German third division outfit Sportsfreunde Lotte in the 2017/18 season.
He said: “I didn’t have a license to do it so someone else had the role but I was in charge. We had a good year, we stayed up after being bottom when I took over.
“The Championship is for sure a higher level.
“It’s an interesting league and I am happy to work here.
“To be in charge for this week will help to develop myself as a coach and a person. I will grab this opportunity.”
Asked if he wanted to stay at Oakwell if the Reds bring in another head coach, Laumann said: “Yeah. I am really happy here. I have a good connection with lots of people in and around the club and I feel the trust from the club. I can imagine to stay here long-term.”
Laumann did not have fellow first team coach Tonda Eckert in the dugout on Wednesday as he has Covid-19 and will also miss tomorrow’s match.
