It's not Kelly...

[Jonty]

I think Sam Hird could be offered the managers job only if Rob will stay as his assistant, if Rob goes so does Sam. They got a great team spirit going and Hird would be a lot cheaper than most other contenders. I think it could work.

Not sure. I think it is important at this point in our Club development to have an experienced Manager who will help us become an established league club. We cannot take risks on inexperienced Managers cutting their teeth, I’ve nothing against that and in many ways support that idea because these Managers will be driven to succeed, but right now for us and after the tough first season i think we need to look to someone who can bring experience and solid stability on the pitch with a plan from the outset of what is needed. Most importantly who has confidence and shows it from the outset.

[ossickbluebird]

I know what your saying Jonty but imho team spirit can get you a long way especially in this league when the difference between top sides and bottom is not much at all. A few good additions to the squad combined with a willingness to run through walls for Sam and Rob might see us have a decent season

[Jonty]

I know what your saying Jonty but imho team spirit can get you a long way especially in this league when the difference between top sides and bottom is not much at all. A few good additions to the squad combined with a willingness to run through walls for Sam and Rob might see us have a decent season

I don't think we can risk it. We need experience right now. Dunn // Jolley did not have the experience we needed and it nearly saw us go straight back down. We need stability through a solid reliable Manager, who has confidence. Confidence is absolutely key.

[EABluebird]

Experienced managers are available who might come here; but please please no punts on rookie managers such as Sam Hird, great bloke who has certainly got a future in coaching but not here at this moment in time, we need L2 experience, we must to push the boat out as much as sensibly possible.

Hopefully the board has learned from the Dunn/Jolley fiasco and we go down a different path this time.

[Stephen Leonard]

I think its the correct decision for all parties.

Rob Kelly doesn't seem to be a person who wants to be a full time manager - he has no doubt had many opportunities over the years to do so but has remained an assistant and stepped in when needed short term at several clubs. His efforts over the last few months would soon be forgotten if we continued in the same vein as the last few matches where many were quick to criticise the tactics

We got lucky this season and survived despite the appointments of Dunn and Jolley and the club now needs to make an appointment that will steady everything and enable a plan for the future to be put in place.

Personally I believe it needs to be someone with plenty of experience at this level or above - they don't need to have won loads of titles or cups but they need to be someone who has kept clubs in solid league positions while not breaking the bank. Many names will no doubt be mentioned but I think we have to remember that Barrow are the newcomers in the league, don't have the greatest resources and have flirted with relegation this season, therefore we are not as attractive as some may think and I doubt we would attract a manager to come from a higher league or existing league 2 club without a significant monetary factor being involved.

This leaves us with either someone who is currently operating at a lower level or someone who is unemployed - I have no doubt that like the Keith Hill thread whoever is mentioned will end up with the same debate about them being useless at some club, falling out with people, not playing attractive football etc etc - We do have to remember that the strange thing about football is that people get sacked a lot and then quite quickly get a new job, this doesn't happen in most other professions and isn't seen as a barrier to future employment but fans love to pick up on any problem and say that the person is not suitable.

I think the board will have known (or had a good idea) for a while that Kelly wouldn't take it and I am certain they will have been planning and preparing for this day to identify the type of manager they want going forward.

Whoever it is I can guarantee that many people will be disappointed for one reason or another (simply because thats how football fans are!)

[Jonty]

Experienced managers are available who might come here; but please please no punts on rookie managers such as Sam Hird, great bloke who has certainly got a future in coaching but not here at this moment in time, we need L2 experience, we must to push the boat out as much as sensibly possible.

Hopefully the board has learned from the Dunn/Jolley fiasco and we go down a different path this time.

Absolutely this. Yes we all want to see exciting free flowing football and lots of young up and coming Managers will express this, but right now, after last season it has to be about proven experience. No shouters, or dressing room cup throwers though.

[Jonty]

Update from Paul Hornby on tonight’s BBCRC Sports hour. Respects RK decision to turn down the chance to be permanent Manager but suggested that we will be seeking an experienced manager to take us forward. An ambitious board who recognises last season wasn’t good enough. Adam Johnson views later on. All worth a listen.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live: ... io_cumbria

[Salthouse Bridge]

Sammy Lee is a name that's been heard in the rumour mill

[McMark]

Sammy Lee is a name that's been heard in the rumour mill

Stranger things have happened at The Mill in Ulverston!

[Bingo]

Sammy Lee is a name that's been heard in the rumour mill

one of Stephen Vaughans in laws

[spirit of 1990]

Steve Leonard & EABluebird absolutely nailed it.

Not a time for experimenting with untried managers - and someone will always find a negative with whoever we eventually get.

Also I think this was the best way forward, if Rob had doubts I’m glad he’s come to this decision quickly to allow the owners to start the process of looking for a new manager so quickly.

[Jim]

Update from Paul Hornby on tonight’s BBCRC Sports hour. Respects RK decision to turn down the chance to be permanent Manager but suggested that we will be seeking an experienced manager to take us forward. An ambitious board who recognises last season wasn’t good enough. Adam Johnson views later on. All worth a listen.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live: ... io_cumbria

This link worked better for me. Paul's interview from about 9 minutes in.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p09fsdj2

[liverpoolann]

Listened to Mr Hornbys interview open and frank as always.Disappointed that Rob Kelly declined the job but totally respect his decision as he does not want the stress and who can blame him.I don’t think that the owners have ruled out Rob Kelly as a number two depending on choice of new man and Rob has not said I want to work nearer home so is a possibility he may know the new incumbent and work with him in background where he is happier.If new man brings own team in Mr Kelly after a well earned break will easily find more employment.Thank you Rob for all you did just wish we could have seen you in the flesh on sidelines to give you big cheer..No one will universally like the new man but it is important players have respect for him and motivation.Have not been inspired by names tossed about so far.Think board will be shrewder this time and more intensive in their interrogation of candidates to lead us further up table in league 2.

[Chris Benoit]

I think Barrowabc should get the job. Barrow through and through and wouldn't take any shit off the players.

[sambino]

Sam Hirds being tipped to join Bolton’s coaching staff