BARNSLEY are set for a very busy summer as the search for a new head coach continues while the majority of the out-of-contract players are not expected to stay on.
Since losing in the League One play-off semi-finals to Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday, the Reds hierarchy have been meeting with out-of-contract players and could announce their retained list today.
They are also looking for a new head coach, having sacked Neill Collins with one game left in the league season then, after planned replacement Dominik Thalhammer allegedly could not get a work permit, Martin Devaney took over as interim boss.
Devaney has said he is not a candidate for the permanent role and is expected to return to being a first team coach under the new boss.
The club are understood to have spoken with several other candidates with the aim of having someone in place well before the players return to training in late June.
The future of the majority of Barnsley’s usual starting 11 is uncertain, with a series of long-serving players likely to leave.
Those out of contract this summer include captain Jordan Williams, top-scorer Devante Cole, Nicky Cadden and Herbie Kane – the four players who have made the most appearances for the Reds this season.
Defender Robbie Cundy and midfielder Matty Wolfe, who have both not played all season due to long-term injuries, are also out of contract along with a series of development players.
The majority of the players list above are not expended to have their deals extended.
The club have the option to extend the contracts, by one year, of back-up goalkeeper Ben Killip as well as local lads Aiden Marsh, who has played 13 first team games this season, and Joe Ackroyd who is yet to make his first team debut in the league.
They also have an option to buy Conor Grant whom they brought in on loan from League Two MK Dons in the January transfer window. The Irish midfielder struggled for gametime for months but impressed in the play-offs, assisting goals for Sam Cosgrove.
Their other loanees were Luton striker John McAtee, Middlesbrough goalkeeper Liam Roberts and Rotherham defender Jamie McCart.
Roberts, who is now out of contract, was a regular starter along with McAtee who is expected to have interest from Championship clubs.
There also may be interest this summer in some of Barnsley’s under-contract players such as midfielders Luca Connell and Adam Phillips plus teenage striker Fabio Jalo.
Connell and Phillips are contracted until 2027 and Jalo until the next year, when club options are included.
Barnsley midfielder Callum Styles made 12 appearances on loan to Sunderland in the Championship.
The Black Cats have an option to buy the Hungary international, who could go to next month’s Euros with Hungary, but it is unclear if they will take it.
