The former Chelsea, Liverpool and Rangers midfielder had been out of the game since quitting Sheffield United in 1998, frustrated at having to sell the club's top players despite taking them to the brink of the play-offs.

Spackman kept in touch with events in the Nationwide League through his work for Sky television and he also continued to improve his coaching skills, working with the England Under-18s and scouting for the senior side.

"It gives me an ideal opportunity to get back in football management," said Spackman, who becomes Barnsley's fifth manager in the space of just three years.

"The set-up here is very good, I was here to do my Uefa coaching, I live in Sheffield and it is very convenient.

"The first thing is to get as high up the table as possible and try to take the club towards the top of the League.

"I have a few commitments with Sky, but taking this job on is a 100 per cent commitment.

"I have enjoyed my work with Sky and England, it has been good for me, but it is time to get back and get a full-time job, a proper job."