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Paul Heckingbottom signs permanent Barnsley deal as head coach

Manager of Barnsley FC, Paul Heckingbottom celebrates after winning the the Sky Bet League One Play Off Final against Millwall.
Image: Paul Heckingbottom celebrates after Barnsley won the Sky Bet League One play-off final

Paul Heckingbottom has signed a 12-month rolling contract to become Barnsley's head coach.

The 38-year-old stepped up from his role as development squad manager at Oakwell to become caretaker boss for the second time following Lee Johnson's departure to Bristol City in February.

He guided the Tykes on a superb run during the closing months of the season which saw them clinch promotion to the Sky Bet Championship following a 3-1 victory over Millwall at Wembley, which came 56 days after they lifted the Johnstone's Paint Trophy by beating Oxford United at the same venue.

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Paul Heckingbottom reacts after Barnsley's play-off final victory

Heckingbottom said after the win over the Lions that he wanted to remain as boss on a permanent basis and he has now put pen to paper on a deal.

"At the end of an unforgettable few months I am absolutely delighted to have signed as head coach for Barnsley Football Club," he told the club's official website.

"Only during the celebrations after achieving promotion, did it begin to sink in exactly what the players had achieved. They are a terrific group of lads and it is important that we carry the momentum into the coming season. 

"We have a clear vision of how we want to continue to improve the football club and Patrick and the rest of the board have already demonstrated to me their commitment to achieve this.

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"It is this united front between everyone who loves the football club that is one of our strengths and one of the reasons why I am so excited for the season ahead."

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Highlights of the Sky Bet League One play-off final between Barnsley and Millwall from Wembley

Barnsley chief executive Ben Mansford said: "We've enjoyed one of the most unforgettable and remarkable seasons ever here at Barnsley Football Club and it goes without saying that Paul has been instrumental in the success we have achieved.

"He's one of the brightest and hard-working young coaches in the country and we're absolutely delighted that he's agreed to become our permanent head coach."

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