Championship club 'shocked' after quartet unexpectedly quit to join Leeds
By Richard Parks
Barnsley have expressed their “shock” and “disappointment” that Paul Heckingbottom has quit to join Leeds United – and taken three of his key allies with him.
The Tykes released a statement on their official website on Tuesday morning to confirm that the 40-year-old has ended his two-year spell as manager of the club.
Barnsley explained that Heckingbottom will be followed out of the Oakwell exit door by coaching assistant Jamie Clapham, sports science expert Nathan Winder and performance analyst Alex Bailey.
It has left some major coaching gaps at the Championship outfit, who have appointed Paul Harsley as caretaker manager while they search for a new boss.
There is also some disquiet in the upper echelons of the club, after Heckingbottom signed a new rolling contract last Friday that included a release clause.
“The club are shocked at Paul Heckingbottom’s desire to leave, having agreed a new contract last week following the completion of the January transfer window, where the Board of Directors worked tirelessly along with Paul to secure their targets, resulting in a successful window,” the Barnsley statement said.
In a further message, chief executive Gauthier Ganaye said: “Yes, it was unexpected. Yes, it has come during an already complicated period. Yes, it will make things more difficult short term, but our Club is full of resources and it is certainly not dependent on one man alone. I’m asking everyone from the players, employees and our loyal fans to come together as we have an important game on Saturday.”
Heckingbottom and Clapham took training at Leeds on Tuesday morning as they prepare the team for Saturday’s Yorkshire derby against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
In other Leeds United news, it can be revealed that Heckingbottom has emerged from a three-man shortlist.
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