Aston Villa favourite retires at 33 and immediately confirms new role

Former Aston Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane has announced his retirement from football at the age of just 33 in order to make his coaching role back at Barnsley a permanent arrangement. Hourihane, an Irish international, has called time on what has been a distinguished career to become the Tykes' assistant head coach.

The midfielder, who developed into a fan favourite during his time at Villa Park, joined Villa from Barnsley when Steve Bruce signed him in the January window of 2017. While Hourihane, who played regularly, and Villa suffered frustration in the first couple of years in the Championship, promotion was secured at the third attempt in 2019 - he scored against West Brom in the play-off semi-finals to spark an important comeback.

Hourihane played regularly under Dean Smith in the first year back in the Premier League as Villa survived on the final day, but his chances became more limited after the signing of Ross Barkley and he was loaned out to Swansea City in January 2021. His final appearance for Villa was in the 6-0 win over Barrow in the EFL Cup and then another loan to Sheffield United beckoned.

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After his Villa departure, Hourihane joined Derby County and spent two years in League One, eventually helping the Rams to reclaim their Championship status at the end of last season. Hourihane did initially re-sign for Barnsley after bidding farewell to Pride Park, but he made two appearances in August and never again, as he juggled his playing with his coaching duties. Now, he is formally Darrell Clarke's number two.

"To all my teammates, coaches, managers and fans,who have supported me on my journey thank you," Hourihane posted. "I’ve been very fortunate to have lived my dream. I take great pride in knowing I gave it my all. Hard work, sacrifice and the will to want to improve daily got me from League 2 to the Premier League. That will be no different in my next journey. As one chapter closes another one has already begun!

"I’m delighted to announce my new role as Assistant Head Coach. I’d like to thank Neerav, Mladen and Darrell on giving me this opportunity and it’s one I’m really excited for. A lot of hard work away from my playing side over the last few years has got me to this point and I’m looking forward to continuing that hard work and developing now and for the future ahead."

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