THE breakthrough of Reyes Cleary will be one of Conor Hourihane’s positive legacies at Oakwell.
The Barnsley head coach leaves the club after Saturday’s final-day League One appointment with promotion-chasing Stockport County - with a clutch of emerging Reds stars entitled to be grateful for his input throughout 2025-26.
Cleary’s rise to prominence, allied to the development of midfield duo Jono Bland and Vimal Yoganathan, have been undoubted high points for Hourihane, who has fulfilled the club's criteria of bringing on young players for future re-sale value.
The Midlander rose to prominence in the first half of the campaign with the club having to fend off a fair bit of interest in January, more especially after his excellent performance in Barnsley’s FA Cup third-round exit against Liverpool at Anfield – which showcased his talents to a watching televised audience.
Barnsley's Reyes Cleary, celebrates scoring in the League One home game against Luton Town at Oakwell in November. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpeplaceholder image
Barnsley's Reyes Cleary, celebrates scoring in the League One home game against Luton Town at Oakwell in November. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe
His form since the winter window has been sporadic, with Hourihane keen for him to achieve his full potential, even though he will not be around to mentor him.
The Reds chief said: "I think Reyes' biggest learning in my opinion - and I've spoken to him about this - is when you have a really strong two or three months, it’s ‘how can I keep that going and make it four, five, six, seven months?’
"It's not from the want of trying, but he needs to understand that he’s had a little bit of a dip and needs to ask himself why has that dip been there.
"Whether it's speculation or a few niggles here and there and he needs to look after his body that little bit more. It's all a learning phase for him now, but he's a really good guy who really wants to improve.
Barnsley chief Conor Hourihane. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpeplaceholder image
Barnsley chief Conor Hourihane. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe
"His biggest learning curve now is reflection and going: ‘right, what did I do well over the course of three or four months when I was flying?’
"And ‘what have I maybe not done so well over these last couple of months to have that little bit of a dip; whether it's mentality or preparation’.
"I've not seen anything like that in him, by the way, let me make that clear.
"But why has that dip been there and how can he make this three-four month (strong) period into six to seven months where there's no dip.”
Barnsley, who remain in lower mid-table, were in action at Northampton Town on Tuesday night in the club’s final away game of the campaign.