LOTS OF NAMES IN FRAME AT THE TYKES...

MICK McCarthy and Garry Monk are reportedly among the front-runners for the Barnsley job as the Tykes prepare to interview new head coach candidates this week. Paul Heckingbottom’s departure to neighbours Leeds has left the Oakwell hot seat vacant and there is bound to be plenty of interest despite their lowly position in the Championship. Ipswich manager McCarthy, a Barnsley native who made more than 300 appearances for the club during his playing days, is the bookies’ favourite, while a number of other bosses, including Monk, who left Middlesbrough in December, have been linked. Chief executive Gauthier Ganaye says the Tykes want to appoint a new man before they face Burton on February 20. “You have to expect the unexpected,” said Ganaye. “The opportunity arose for Paul to go to Leeds and I understand it was possibly too big for him to turn down. “Though it did come as a shock, we respect his decision and wish him the best for the future. “The focus is now to draw up a credible shortlist and not panic. “The plan is to have someone in the post by the Burton game. “We have had an incredible number of applications, which shows just how attractive the Barnsley job is. “The short-term goal is to stay in this division, but we want the next head coach to be here for the long term.” Lincoln City boss Danny Cowley may have already distanced himself from the Barnsley job, but Peterborough chief Grant McCann is one manager that has been strongly linked with the Tykes. Former Leeds and Sunderland chief Simon Grayson, who reportedly turned down the chance to take over at MK Dons last month, has also been rumoured as a target. So, too, have West Brom first-team coach Darren Moore and Charlton boss Karl Robinson.