Sean O’Driscoll will not become the new manager of Barnsley, and has this evening claimed in a statement that the ONE and only meeting he had with the club’s board of directors did not even get as far as discussing terms.
The 55 year old who has only been out of work for 10 days when he was surprisingly fired by Nottingham Forest was the hot favourite to replace Keith Hill at Oakwell but that will now not be the case.
In his statement O’Driscoll said:
“I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to have spoken to Barnsley. In my one meeting with the directors I was keen to ascertain exactly what the short and long-term strategies and ambitions of the club are and how I may be able to help the club achieve those. At no point were terms discussed by either parties.”
"Its a well run club whose achievements in successfully maintaining their Championship status for so many seasons should never be underestimated. The directors committment to and passion for Barnsley FC impressed me."
"The directors are understandbly keen to make a quick appointment to continue the work of trying to retain the club's Championship status once again. But at this moment, and given the extremely disappointing and sudden nature of my departure from Nottingham Forest, I've respectfully declined the opportunity to become Barnsley's next manager."
"I wish the club, players and supporters all the best for the rest of the season."
There will now be a real fear amongst the Barnsley faithful that the job could go to either former Leeds and Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell or ex Sheffield Wednesday man Gary Megson. They are believed to be the two names next to O’Driscoll on the four-man shortlist along with current caretaker David Flitcroft.