Paul Heckingbottom has admitted that he cannot wait for the new season to start after penning a new contract at Barnsley.

After being placed in charge on a temporary basis in February, Heckingbottom guided Barnsley to the Johnstone's Paint Trophy and promotion from League One through the playoffs after winning 13 and losing just three of his 21 games.

The former defender has now signed a 12-month rolling contract at Oakwell and he is hopeful of his side carrying on their form in the Championship.

The 38-year-old told the club's official website: "At the end of an unforgettable few months I am absolutely delighted to have signed as head coach for Barnsley Football Club. Only during the celebrations after achieving promotion, did it begin to sink in exactly what the players had achieved. They are a terrific group of lads and is important that we carry the momentum into the coming season.

"We have a clear vision of how we want to continue to improve the Football Club and Patrick and the rest of the board have already demonstrated to me their commitment to achieve this. It is this united front between everyone who loves the Football Club that is one of our strengths and one of the reasons why I am so excited for the season ahead."

Promotion to the second tier of English football capped a remarkable turnaround for the club, who had lost 12 of their opening 19 games in League One.