Barrow AFC have parted company with manager David Dunn after yesterday’s 4-2 defeat away at Crawley Town.

In a statement released a short time ago the club said :

“The Board would like to place on record their sincere thanks to David for all his hard work and dedication since taking the role and wish him every success in his future career.

Assistant Manager Rob Kelly will now take temporary charge of First Team affairs until a successor is appointed.“

Dunn took charge of the Bluebirds after Ian Evatt left to take over at Bolton Wanderers. It was an appointment that surprised some in the game as Dunn’s short tenure at Oldham had been anything but successful and his only other club managerial experience was a short stint as caretaker manager at Blackpool.

However Barrow’s early form impressed some pundits who praised them for their organisation and work rate . A live TV game against Championship side Derby in the Carabou Cup and a Papa John’s Cup tie against Blackpool both ended 0-0 with the Bluebirds losing on penalties.

Back in the Football League after 48 years it took Dunn’s side nine games to record their first victory, 4-2 away at Mansfield. This was followed up with a 1-0 defeat of Bradford at Holker St giving hope to the fans still having to watch and listen from home.

Sadly that was to be their last win under Dunn’s leadership, and after a further eight games without a win and picking up just three points in the process the board have decided a change is needed with Barrow only out of the bottom two on goal difference with 2 wins from 17 games and 13 points to their name.