Mike Williamson is of interest to the third tier outfit ahead of their play-off date with Bolton Wanderers
Barnsley may consider replacing Neill Collins with MK Dons’ head coach, Mike Williamson.
Alan Nixon’s Patreon account suggests that the intended hiring of Dominik Thalhammer may not proceed, despite a mutual agreement.
Thalhammer has had trouble obtaining a work permit, which may prevent him from moving to Oakwell.
The 53-year-old has not worked in almost a year, his previous job being with Belgian club Oostende.
This could complicate his ability to obtain a work permit to operate in the United Kingdom, as the League One team is now required to appeal the application process, delaying an announcement regarding his employment.
Barnsley manager search latest
Thalhammer was set to take over at the Tykes, but the third tier outfit may now have to search elsewhere if the Austrian cannot legally work in the United Kingdom.
Collins was dismissed in the role earlier this month, even with the team still in contention for a play-off place in League One.
| Neil Collins’ Barnsley record (all competitions as per Transfermarkt) | ||||
| Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | W% |
| 52 | 24 | 14 | 14 | 46.2 |
The team’s form under the 40-year-old had collapsed, putting an end to any hopes of automatic promotion back to the Championship, and with much fan dissatisfaction with recent results, the Oakwell hierarchy sought to make a change ahead of their final League One match of the regular season, a 1-1 draw with Northampton Town.
However, with the play-offs still ahead, the club decided to replace managers in order to improve their chances of returning to the second level.
Collins was just appointed last summer and had won 24 of his 52 games in charge, but one win in his last eight saw him leave with one game remaining in the regular season.
Barnsley could employ MK Dons’ Williamson as a replacement coach in time for the play-offs, following complications with Thalhammer’s appointment.
Williamson, who joined Stadium MK in October from National League side Gateshead following the resignation of Graham Alexander, has led the club to fourth place in League Two this season.
Williamson, an ex-Newcastle United defender, has been a senior football manager for nearly five years and is currently focusing on his own play-off campaign as his Dons face Crawley Town.
Barnsley’s League One promotion bid
On Saturday, Barnsley finished sixth in League One after a 1-1 draw with Northampton Town.
Barnsley will meet Bolton Wanderers in a rematch of last year’s semi-finals, which they won 2-1 on aggregate.
Ian Evatt’s squad finished sixth last year, but jumped up to third in 2024, missing out on a top two spot by five points.
Given Barnsley’s recent dismal results, many will consider the Whites to be favourites for the first leg on May 3.
The second leg will take place on May 7 in Bolton.
Barnsley need to replace Neill Collins quickly
Barnsley cannot afford to enter the play-offs without a manager, and time is running out on that front.
The team has only five days to prepare for a massive encounter at home against Bolton, and the turnaround time for the second leg is very short.
A deal for Williamson may be tricky because MK Dons are also in a play-off, and the League Two club may prefer not to negotiate terms until their promotion struggle is over.
This is the worst possible preparation for a play-off, and it may be something Barnsley will regret if they do not go past Bolton – it is increasingly probable that Martin Devaney will have to keep the ship steady.
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