Barrow's Modern Man Can Make The Bluebirds Fly Again

It turned into a bit of a saga, but what is it they say about good things coming to those of us who wait?

Ian Evatt’s evental arrival made sense on a number of levels. The Bluebirds maintained all along that they wanted something different from their next manager.

After a number of bosses who had a fair few clubs on their CV, Barrow were going for the young up-and-comer. Someone fresh, with modern ideas and someone hungry to make their mark.

They certainly have that in their new boss. But they also have someone who is drawn to Wembley like a magnet.

“My record isn’t too bad,” he told us. “I went to Wembley four times in six or seven years, so with the Promotion Final there again next year I would love to bring my record as a player into my career as a manager!

“I loved playing football, for me it was everything. Some pros don’t, it’s a job, but for me nothing beats it.

“That’s why I wanted to go into management. I think people always knew this was my next step. I captained every club I was at and I was always told ‘you would make a good manager once you pack it in’ so now I’ve actually got to go out and do it.

“So far I’m loving it. It’s non-stop days, they’re long but they are very enjoyable. I tell you one thing, pre-season is better as a manager than as a player!

“It’s been painful to watch them doing the running and the body fat tests - I really, really miss all that,” he smiled. “In fairness they are better at it than me. I’m so glad to see the back of those days.”

Evatt is lucky. He has the chance to win over the fans by doing something which may not take him long to achieve.

Barrow, somehow, won just once at Holker Street between the end of October and the final day of the season.

Although Ady Pennock was far from unpopular, when every away game is so far from home the importance of producing in front of your own fans cannot be underestimated.

“That’s a priority, the home form,” he says. “It’s a fresh start for everyone, and an opportunity to get these fantastic fans buying into their club again.

“Nobody wants a run like that. Your home fans are your bread and button, and it’s vital to make them proud.

“We need to build a bond with supporters and make them want to turn up again on a Saturday afternoon. We can do, and I’m determined that we will.

“We have to make this place hostile and somewhere teams don’t want to come to again. It used to be like that. I think I’m ready for the challenge this club has given me. I’m under no illusions it’s going to be difficult - the National League is a lot better than it used to be.”

Evatt had some time in charge of Chesterfield, and is looking forward to going back.

“I took over when the club had been relegation and although it was difficult to watch I knew in my short time in caretaker charge that management was for me,” he adds.

“Chesterfield are a great club and I made a lot of friends but now it’s about Barrow and I can’t wait for August 4 to come around.”