Barrow sacked

The Shakers' boss this week paid the ultimate price for the club's poor start to the season by having his contract terminated.

The stunning announcement came on Monday morning in the wake of Saturday's 1-1 home draw against Boston United and took Barrow, and his squad, completely by surprise.

"Obviously I am bitterly disappointed because I honestly thought things were turning round in the last few games," he said.

"We did well against Northampton two weeks ago and in the first half against Boston and although we only picked up two points there was definite potential for maximum points.

"I've lost my job before after defeats, but not after a couple of draws, and it is a bit puzzling.

"The position we were in wasn't irretrievable and we'd come back strongly from a poor run at the end of last season.

"At that time people were wondering why I hadn't won the manager of the month award. It shows how fortunes change."

Notwithstanding his clear disappointment Barrow, as honest as ever, refused to be bitter about his departure.

"I'd like to wish the players and supporters success and despite some of the stuff coming from the terraces in recent weeks I think the fans have been very good to me.

"There are no hard feelings because I get as frustrated as anyone when things aren't going right.

"I wish the club all the best and I know the three directors have the club at heart.

"I'd like to think that if I returned to Bury as a manager, coach, scout or just as a spectator that I'd be welcomed back.

"I always get a decent reception at Chester and Wigan and hopefully will at Gigg Lane."

One consolation Barrow can take with him was the reaction of the first team squad to his dismissal.

They were distraught at the news, firmly killing off any suggestions that the team didn't want to play for him.

"I know sometimes the time is right for a manager to go but I have no doubt that I didn't lose the dressing-room," he added.

"The most satisfying thing that has come out of this has been the support from the players and fellow managers, many from our Division Two rivals.

"Everyone knows my hands have been tied financially but we've beaten teams with far bigger wage bills and have punched above our weight while I've been here."

The Chorley-based boss was on a rolling contract at Gigg Lane and he has been followed through the door by his assistant, Ray Matthias, who only joined the coaching staff last month.

First team affairs will for the immediate future be in the hands of youth team coach Chris Casper, son of former Shakers' assistant boss Frank Casper.

The thirty-year-old is a former Manchester United youth team player whose career was cruelly cut short at the age of 25 after suffering a horrific knee injury while playing for Reading.

Applications from potential candidates are being invited and there is already thought to be no shortage of people to step into the Shakers hotseat.

A run of one win, two draws and six defeats from the opening nine league games brought the curtain down on Barrow's reign.

Ironically, the team had avoided defeat in its last two fixtures and there were signs that the corner had been turned, but with Saturday's home gate dipping below the 2,000 mark for the first time, and growing discontent among the supporters, the beleaguered board of directors felt a change was needed sooner rather than later.

Unfortunately for Barrow the decision was to part company with him.

"It was a difficult decision to make," said director in charge of footballing affairs, Ian Harrop.

"Not just myself, everyone at the club had a good working relationship with Graham, he's one of the most honest guys you could wish to meet.

"But, unfortunately, when you have to make a decision to take the football club forward, tough ones have to be made.

"We had to do it because of the way things were going and our current league position.

"It's also a matter of timing. We need to give the new person as long as possible to put matters right."

Formerly assistant to Andy Preece, Barrow took over the reins when the club parted company with Preece in December 2003.

He initially took the job on in a caretaker role but earned a vote of confidence from the directors by ending a run of eight defeats with a 2-0 victory over Swansea City in his first game in full charge.

Although the club finished in lowest league position last season, it stood on the verge of the play-off positions until a cash crisis forced the sale of crucial performers David Nugent and Danny Swailes and, allied to a crippling injury list, they plummeted down the league and briefly flirted with relegation.

Nevertheless, a good end of season run saw the Shakers reach a more respectable position.

After a flurry of first teamers left over the summer, Barrow was forced to bring in a number of replacements in the close season but unfortunately the side failed to gel from day one.

The depressing run has landed the 121-year-old club in one of the League Two relegation places after nine games and that, seemingly, meant Barrow had to go.

A board meeting was held on Tuesday afternoon to decide on a strategic blueprint to decide on what kind of a candidate they believe can take the club forward .

"

Obviously the youth development side is vitally important to the well-being of the club," added Harrop.

"This is now an opportunity to mould the club, not just in the short term but in the medium term.

"The person we want to appoint has to meet the criteria of the way we want the club to go.

"We want to make an appointment sooner rather than later, but if it takes a month to find the right man, so be it.

"But we have confidence Chris Casper will do a good job in the interim.

"I think certain members of the team have let the manager down, as the squad on paper is as good as we've had for a while.

"The players were deeply upset at the decision and confidence is missing, but we believe that Chris can instill that with a couple of good results.

"I'm sure the players will want to do it for Graham on Saturday."