Barrow AFC.net

Bolland, Smith, Moyo, Nicholas, Lomax.

Sad to see Bolly leave. One of the best defenders ive seen in a Barrow shirt. We will miss his cultural style and caviar. Bolly is our leader!

Hope we have some defenders lined up!

Would have liked to have seen smith retained too. Worked hard and was decent, and often played out of position. Odd one to see Cliff Moyonaisse released too.

If Ferrell has gone too we're left with 2 strikers, 2 wingers, 1 midfielder, 2 goalies ....
but only 1 defender - Skelton -.... and Edwards?

Shocked and annoyed by smith being released he's the only guy in our squad that could cross and in my opinion offered more in centre mid than baker

Moyo is a surprise. Bayles said on BBCRC that he would be offered a new contract. I assume Hulbert will be released as well so we will have none of the 2010 Wembley team left.

Gutted to see Smith released. Best crosser of the ball by far.

Moyo was defo one for the future too. Not changing my username though.

Courtesy of North West Evening Mail

Barrow AFC release five players

Last updated at 17:33, Friday, 04 May 2012

BARROW AFC’s back four will have a new look about it next season after five defenders were released.

Regular left-back Gavin Skelton and long-term injury victim Mike Pearson were the only defenders to survive the cull.

Club captain and 2010 FA Trophy winner Phil Bolland has been released, and Andy Nicholas, Kelvin Lomax, Cliff Moyo and utility man Paul Smith are also exiting Furness Building Society Stadium.

Bluebirds boss Dave Bayliss, who will be looking for defensive replacements during the summer, is confident several players will agree new deals for the 2012/13 Conference campaign after speaking to the majority of his squad.

Bayliss has offered contracts to goalkeepers Danny Hurst and Shaun Pearson, defenders Skelton and Pearson, midfielders Richie Baker and James Owen, wingmen Jack Mackreth and Paul Rutherford, and striker Andy Cook, with fellow forward Adam Boyes already signed up.

“We’ve offered the lads terms,” said Bayliss.

“We didn’t go into too much detail and we’re giving them time to think about it.

“We have made them good offers. It’s up to them now if they want to accept, or go and take their chances, it’s a meat market out there. But we’ve made them good offers and they all seem happy enough.

“Obviously some of them are over 24 and some are under 24 and the under 24s, if they decide to turn the offer down, we can command a fee for them by a tribunal.”

Bayliss has yet to speak to midfielders Andy Ferrell and Robin Hulbert.

Other members of the 2011/12 Bluebirds squad, such as Danny Hone, Paul Edwards, Joe Jackson and Alex-Ray Harvey were on loan from other clubs.

Former Bluebirds joint-boss Darren Sheridan has been appointed manager of Evo-Stik League First Division North club Salford City.

ZiggerZag wrote:I assume Hulbert will be released as well so we will have none of the 2010 Wembley team left.

Ruthers?

Sorry to see Bolland - an honest, genuine player with a bit of class - but it was expected. I am a bit surprised about Smith but perhaps DB felt that he needs to make room to sign a leader in midfield. Moyo wasn't ready for BSP football and we probably can't afford to keep a player who is just going to be out on loan.

The other surprise in the NWEM article is Peoboots being offered a contract, a bit of a risk at this stage I would think. However, it's perhaps a bit of slack reporting and the true situation is probably a contract provisional on fitness or something similar.

Gutted about Smith, became one of my favourite players of late, always puts 100% in and never shirks a challenge. Put in at RB which wasn't his favoured position atall, but always did a job and was easily the best crosser of a ball we had.

Also agree Bolland could probably have done another year - proved alot of his critics wrong this year. Perhaps better to leave on a high though.

#GiveAndyNicholasTheTestimonalHeDeserves

Robin Hulbert on twitter: "Think I am presuming I might have a two year contract or negioations are still taking place. Happy days."

Sad to see these players go, but they can all be replaced with better players. I wouldn't be too hasty to judge until next season when we see what their replacements are like.

I wish Bolly, Smith, Moyo, Nicholas and Lomax the best in all future endeavours.

Surprised and disappointed about both Smith and Bolland being released - I liked them both. Odd that Smith didn't make the squad for the last two games - maybe a back story there.

Smith- didn't do a lot wrong. A no nonsense consistent performer.

Moyo- One for the future- but obviously not here.

Bolland- Best season he's had and I thought Bayliss would be looking for an understudy to play alongside him next season.

Lomax / Nicholas- unspectacular Barrow careers

Clearly looking at building from the back- but I hope he doesn't overlook that we can be very predictable going forward with the players he's offered contracts to.

Zak wrote:Bolland, Smith, Moyo, Nicholas, Lomax.

Overjoyed beyond description, disappointed, slightly disappointed, not surprised, couldn't care less.