Football Season Review

It was ultimately a successful first season back in the Football League for Barrow, who survived by just five points. The Bluebirds spent the entire campaign trying to keep their heads above water, not helped by the global Covid-19 pandemic which led to some controversy. The joy from lifting the National League title last season was soon following by the disappointment of Ian Evatt’s departure to take the job at Bolton Wanderers. David Dunn was appointed as his successor but it really wasn’t a job for a rookie and the club bit the bullet before Christmas, replacing him with Michael Jolley. It was a bizarre choice and a mistake that was recognised within weeks, as he was sacked and Rob Kelly handed the role as caretaker for the rest of the season. Kelly had already won a couple of games between Dunn’s departure and Jolley’s appointment and one wonders why he still hasn’t been given the job on a permanent basis. Kelly built his team around the spine of ever-present goalkeeper Joel Dixon, wing-back Patrick Brough, defensive midfielder Jason Taylor and striker Scott Quigley. It took Quigley time to get going, overcoming a niggling injury to become top goalscorer and it was his goals that made the difference as they scraped over the line. Furloughing a handful of players in January left a sour taste in many people’s mouths and next season looks like being equally tough. In Kelly however, they have someone they can rely on.

Player of the Season: Scott Quigley