Former Crystal Palace defender Valerien Ismael signs three-year contract to become Barnsley boss… after gaining managerial experience at Austrian side LASK and Wolfsburg in Germany
- The 45-year-old Frenchman coached LASK in Austria last season
- Ismael played for Palace in 1998 after becoming the club’s record signing
- He returned to France with Lens before going on to play for Bayern Munich
Barnsley are on the brink of announcing Valerien Ismael as their new manager after the former Crystal Palace defender signed a three-year contract with the club.
The Frenchman coached LASK in Austria last season, guiding them through the Europa League group stage to a tie against Manchester United and topping their domestic league for a large part of the season only to fall away at the last and finish fourth. They were docked four points for breaching lockdown regulations.
Ismael, now 45, played for Palace briefly in 1998 after becoming the club’s record signing when he joined from Strasbourg for £2.75million.
Valerien Ismael has had spells in charge at Austrian side LASK and Wolfsburg in Germany
He returned to France with Lens ten months later before going on to play for Bayern Munich. He also had a spell managing in the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg.
Championship side Barnsley have been looking for a suitable candidate to succeed Gerhard Struber who left to coach New York Red Bulls earlier this month.
Barnsley are 21st in the Championship and face Millwall away on Saturday before hosting QPR on Tuesday.
The former defender had a 10-month spell at Palace in 1998 after being signed for £2.75m
