Football Season Guide

Barrow are back in the top level of non-league football after a period of three seasons spent in the North section of the lower division. The Cumbrian side swept the opposition away in the battle for the title last season and justified their pre-season tag of favourites by eventually finishing top. Thanks to the fresh investment provided by a new owner they managed to undergo a pretty impressive improvement over the last year and are starting the upcoming campaign in buoyant spirits. Darren Edmondson managed to assemble a pretty useful squad for this level and has the right blend of experience, talent and grit in the squad. Simon Grand and Danny Livesey will not be easy to play against at the back while Andy Cook and Jason Walker are established strikers in the non-league scene. The success last season has been mostly based mostly on the energy and quality of the midfield players, with Alex-Ray harvey enjoying a stellar campaign in particular. Barrow did lose a couple of important players from the promotion-winning squad as Andrew Burns and Anthony McMillan both decided to remain part-time and not to make the step up. The latter, a solid keeper with good pedigree, will be especially hard to replace and it remains to be seen whether the young Joel Dixon, with just a handful of first-team games behind him, is capable of filling the shoes on regular basis over the coming season. Neil Ashton is easily the best summer signing made by Edmondson as the left-back has been one of the best in this division over the last five years or so, a model of consistency and a leader on and off the pitch. Steve Williams is another good addition at the back and will offer competition for places. Generally Barrow have a pretty solid look about them going to the season. They are unlikely to mix it with the sides in the top end of the table but a respectable finish in mid-table is certainly within their reach.