CONOR Hourihane ‘felt for’ the Barnsley fans who witnessed their 3-0 loss at lowly Exeter City on Saturday and admits his side cannot keep taking ‘big steps back.’

Several hundred Reds fans made the roughly 500-mile round trip to Devon which Hourihane admits was one of the worst performances of the season.

The head coach told the Chronicle: “I felt for the fans who went down.

“It was a really disappointing one.

“We wanted to show them, with their efforts of going own, our efforts of putting in a performance and we weren’t quite there.

“On the first game of the season they made a long trip to Plymouth and we got the result for them that day.

“It comes with the territory. It gets ear-marked a bit more with the distances. I know the fans put in a long journey and there is no one more than me who respects it and appreciates it.

“There were one or two things put out there that people didn’t go over and clap the fans but I certainly did because I respect them all the time.

“There is a clear view of me going over to them and clapping and taking whatever came my way.

“We absolutely didn’t want the game to go that way and we appreciate all the travel they do.”

This was expected to be an inconsistent season for the young Reds team but Hourihane admits some of the low points have been too low such as the 5-0 beating in the EFL Trophy at Port Vale in early December then the humbling in Devon.

“The two off the top of my head are Port Vale in the cup and the one on Saturday.

“There is disappointment that we can look so good then take a big step back and look average and poor.

“We need to find the middle ground that, even if we are slightly off it, we are still in the game in the later stages.

“Can we be more resolute and get a draw and not just get turned over?”

He added: “Everyone needs to realise we have an amazing opportunity in front of us – people talk about games in hand – to move forward and kick on in the league.

“I said to the players you have days when you’re not there.

“Even teams who get promoted have those games, then regroup and come back stronger.

“The young lads have been shining lights but I need to see more from the older lads to step up, be consistent and guide them.”

Barnsley are due to train up until Christmas Eve then have Christmas Day off before the game on Friday.

2025 has been a big year in Hourihane’s life, after being given his first managerial role in the spring.

“It’s been a rollercoaster.

“This time last year, I was just after retiring late in 2024 and became assistant head coach.

“Then I was interim head coach then permanent and planning for pre-season.

“It’s been an unbelievable rollercoaster. Hopefully 2026 can be a bit calmer.

“Will that be the case in this job? Probably not.

“It’s been an unbelievable change in my life – something that I cherish all the time. I hit the challenge head on.

“It’s an endless relentless cycle to always improve and get better win, lose or draw.

“Hopefully we have a real successful year in 2026.”