Former Bradford City favourite John Hendrie is poised to take his first managerial job.

The 34-year-old striker was set to be named as new manager at First Division Barnsley with current boss Danny Wilson expected to be unveiled as successor to Ron Atkinson at Sheffield Wednesday.

Hendrie has been at Oakwell since October 1996 after be bought from Middlesbrough for £250,000 at a time when after City had just failed to sign him on loan.

He played a big part in Barnsley's promotion to the Premiership in the 1996-97 season and was second top scorer. that season with 15 league goals.

But Barnsley came straight back down, despite a brave effort to survive in the top flight.

Now, Hendrie is being handed the job of trying to take them back up at the first attempt.

Both clubs called early afternoon press conferences when the new appointments were expected to be unveiled.

Neither club would release details, but a Barnsley spokesman said it would be a "very important" announcement.

Wednesday were linked with former Hillsborough favourite Wilson after Atkinson's contract was not renewed at the end of the season.

But only last week the Owls agreed a deal with former Rangers boss Walter Smith who instead joined Everton.

After Barnsley were relegated from the Premiership, Wilson initially pledged his future to the Oakwell club.

But the chance to manage Wednesday, who desperately need a new man at the helm with the season only six weeks away, has apparently proved to be irristable.

Hendrie, 34, is the most experienced player at Barnsley since the departure of Neil Redfearn to Charlton for £1million.

"You cannot dwell on the past," Hendrie told ClubCall. "Now we are looking forward to next season and we have to be positive. There is no reason why we cannot have another good season."

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