Potentially obstacle revealed as Barnsley make 53-year-old number one target to succeed Neill Collins | OneFootball

Barnsley want to name Austrian coach Dominik Thalhammer as their new head coach, but he is going to struggle to get a work permit.

Barnsley in talks with Dominik Thalhammer

It was announced earlier this week that the Tykes had sacked Neill Collins, a decision which surprised many outsiders, as the Yorkshire side currently sit in the play-off places in League One.

However, there were concerns about recent results, with Barnsley having failed to win in five games, which included four defeats. As well as that, the style of play brought criticism from some sections of the supporters.

Martin Devaney was named as caretaker, as he prepared to lead training ahead of the weekend clash at home to Northampton, which Barnsley must win to guarantee a top six finish.

It has now been revealed by journalist Alan Nixon that Thalhammer has emerged as the man Barnsley want to succeed Collins on a permanent basis.

He has stated that the 53-year-old flew into England on Monday night in the hope of taking over ahead of the Northampton game, but he was unable to get a work permit initially.

The update has said that Barnsley will appeal, but that will obviously take time, whilst he’s not even 100% sure that he will receive the necessary documents to allow him to work in the country, so it’s a case of waiting and seeing what happens.

Dominik Thalhammer’s career so far

Thalhammer has had an eventful managerial career, which started two decades ago, when he became the youngest coach in Austrian Bundesliga history in charge of Admira Wacker.

More recently, he spent nine years in charge of the Austrian Women’s team from 2011, and he has had roles with LASK Linz, Cercle Brugge and Oostende in the past three years before leaving the latter in 2023.

So, he would arrive with decent pedigree for League One standards, and he would play the high-intensity football that the Barnsley hierarchy clearly want as they look to build a team that can return to the Championship and establish themselves at that level again in the long-term.

Barnsley preparing for crucial Northampton clash

Of course, the fact Barnsley don’t know whether they will be able to appoint Thalhammer is a real blow, but it appears they may be willing to wait, with Devaney likely to be in the dugout for the massive Northampton game.

On paper, it looks like a decent fixture for the Tykes, as they are coming up against a Cobblers side that are comfortably in mid-table, and they have little to play for. Plus, the game is at Oakwell, so the home fans will be helping the side on as they chase the three points they need.

Barnsley can reach the play-offs by not winning as well, as they would need to match the result of one of Lincoln or Oxford.

The Imps host champions Portsmouth on the final day, with the U’s making the trip to Exeter, but Barnsley know if they do finish level on points with either side, they’re highly likely to have an inferior goal difference.