Barnsley have completed the signing of veteran forward David McGoldrick, with the 37-year-old determined to prove that age is no barrier at Oakwell.
The former Sheffield United striker arrives on a one-year deal after leaving Notts County, linking up once again with ex-teammate Conor Hourihane, who now manages the Tykes.
McGoldrick Aims to Silence Doubts After Oakwell Move
McGoldrick brings an immense wealth of experience, having enjoyed a remarkable resurgence in recent seasons. After returning to boyhood club Notts County in 2023, the Republic of Ireland international scored 29 goals in two seasons and was named in the 2024–25 League Two Team of the Season.
Despite his age, McGoldrick remains confident he can deliver at League One level and believes supporters will see more than just a seasoned name on the teamsheet.
“Barnsley fans might be thinking ‘we have signed an old veteran’. But it’s for me to go and prove it’s not all about age, but what’s in the feet and up there,” he said. “I got every award at Notts County and when I left Sheff U, I got the same—and when I left Derby.”
McGoldrick enjoyed a prolific spell with Derby County before rejoining Notts, earning Derby’s Player of the Year award in 2022–23 after scoring 25 goals. Across a career that includes spells with Ipswich Town, Nottingham Forest, and Southampton, he has racked up over 600 senior appearances and 179 goals.
He also featured 14 times for the Republic of Ireland between 2014 and 2020.
His reunion with Hourihane and assistant manager Richard Keogh adds a layer of familiarity, but McGoldrick made clear the personal connection won’t affect his professionalism.
“We have to distance the friendship… I am a player and he is my manager. There’s going to be times he won’t want to play me and times I will want to play. There’s no special treatment.”
Barnsley beat off competition to land McGoldrick, who confirmed he had four or five offers following his departure from Meadow Lane. His final decision, he said, came down to choosing a project that “ticked the boxes.”
Writer’s View
David McGoldrick’s move to Barnsley might raise eyebrows based on age alone, but his form over the past three seasons tells a different story. He’s adapted brilliantly as he’s aged—slightly deeper on the pitch, technically excellent, and tactically astute.
For Conor Hourihane, he brings leadership, goals, and game intelligence. With the Tykes targeting promotion after last season’s disappointment, this could prove an inspired addition—especially if McGoldrick continues defying the odds with performances that belie his 37 years.
