Last updated at 14:24, Friday, 01 June 2012

FORMER Barrow AFC loan man Jon Shaw is on the look-out for a new club after leaving the Bluebirds’ Blue Square Bet Premier rivals Gateshead.

ON THE LOOKOUT: Jon Shaw

Shaw – who bagged five goals in 14 games in an impressive three-month loan spell at Holker Street in the 2009/10 season – has turned down the offer of a new two-year-deal with the Tynesiders.

Shaw enjoyed a prolific season for the Heed, bagging 35 goals, including two against Barrow, and he is attracting interest from several clubs, thought to include Luton Town and Hartlepool.

Barrow AFC boss Dave Bayliss – away on holiday at present – will be hopeful the departure of Jack Mackreth is an isolated blow as he looks to build his squad for the 2012/3 campaign. Mackreth, who last week told the Evening Mail he was “99 per cent sure” of penning a fresh deal at Barrow, joined Conference new boys Macclesfield Town in midweek.

It is a big loss for AFC, but at least the club will receive some compensation for the departure of one of their brightest stars, as he is under 23-years-old.

Mackreth was one of nine players offered deals by Bayliss – the others being goalkeepers Danny Hurst and Shaun Pearson; defenders Gavin Skelton and Mike Pearson; midfielders James Owen and Richie Baker; winger Paul Rutherford and striker Andy Cook.

They have all verbally agreed to stay, while forward Adam Boyes is already on a contract for 2012/13.

First published at 13:38, Friday, 01 June 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk