Former Republic of Ireland midfielder Conor Hourihane has announced his retirement to take up the post of assistant head coach at Barnsley.
The 33-year-old, who joined the club for a second time during the summer but has made only two appearances, will work under Darrell Clarke as they attempt to drag the club back into the Sky Bet Championship.
Hourihane made more than 580 club appearances for Sunderland, Ipswich, Plymouth, Barnsley, Aston Villa, Swansea, Sheffield United and Derby, and was capped on 36 occasions by his country.
He told the Tykes’ official website: “I have loved every second of my time as a player at all the clubs I represented.
“The two Wembley victories with Barnsley and getting…