Barnsley are hoping to begin interviews for their new head coach within the next week as they attempt to recover from relegation into League One.

The Reds sacked Jose Morais on Sunday, minutes after relegation was confirmed with a 4-1 defeat at Derby County, as a break clause in his contract was activated by the drop to League One.

The Chronicle understands that the board considered sacking Morais before the home game against Brentford on April 28. They would have replaced him for the last two matches with Paul Harsley who led the team as a caretaker for one game in February.  

Morais' 79-day spell in charge at Oakwell is the shortest tenure of any permanent manager in the club's history while he won just three of his 15 matches, losing eight. Also leaving were assistant head coach Dimas Teixeira as well as physical coach Joao Cunha. Barnsley finished 22nd in the league after winning just four of their final 32 games in all competitions.

Chief executive Gauthier Ganaye told the Chronicle: "I am disappointed for Jose, for us and for the fans. "It could have been a different story with Jose, if we had kept the three points in the draws against Norwich, Bristol City and Bolton at home. "But that is how football is."

Ganaye refused to comment on whether Morais was the wrong appointment but admitted the Reds will take their time to find his replacement. Mick McCarthy, who is from Barnsley and played 272 matches for the Reds between 1977 and 1983, is a free agent after quitting Ipswich Town following their 1-0 win over his hometown club last month.

Simon Grayson is one of the frontrunners with bookmakers. The 48-year-old has four promotions from League One with Blackpool, Leeds United, Huddersfield Town and Preston North End but was sacked by Sunderland early this season then joined Bradford City who he departed this week after his short-term contract expired. He won just six of his 32 matches for the two clubs this season.