By Rachael Grealish

Barrow AFC has confirmed it has ‘parted company’ with Manager Michael Jolley.

In a statement made on social media today, Sunday February 20, it said the decision has been made to give the club the ‘best possible chance of remaining in League Two’.

It read: “It has become apparent even in such a short space of time that unfortunately the Board and Michael have differing visions for how the team should play, which has led to this change being made,” said Chairman Paul Hornby.

“We believe that it’s best to recognise this now and make the change early so that the team can concentrate on the remaining games of the season. We’d like to thank Michael for all of his hard work and wish him well in his future career.”

In Jolley’s absence the club confirmed Rob Kelly has been made caretaker manager, who previously has experience of doing so.

The board has also said the decision was not an easy one to make at this time.

“Rob Kelly has been appointed as Caretaker Manager with immediate effect and will lead the team until the end of the season,” it continued, “Rob has had a successful, albeit brief, spell in charge of the team earlier in the season and is aligned to our philosophies and culture.

“This has not been an easy decision to make. However, the Board feel that it’s the right decision and one that gives us the best possible chance of remaining in League Two, which is the ultimate aim of everybody associated with Barrow AFC.”

The Club confirmed it will be making no further comment at this time in order for the team to ‘focus on Tuesday night’s visit to Oldham Athletic’.

The 43-year-old took over as manager of the League Two club just two months ago in December 2020 following the departure of David Dunn.

Dunn also had a brief spell at the club, only reigning as the club’s manager from July 2020 until December that year.