ALEX Meechan says he can look back on his Barrow AFC career with great satisfaction and pride following his shock exit from Holker Street.

The first team coach was one of three members of Paul Cox’s backroom staff shown the door at the weekend as part of a major reshuffle, with sports therapist Dan Anderton and strength and conditioning coach Paddy Maher also departing. The Bluebirds are set announce the trio’s replacements over the next couple of days.

For Meechan, the decision brings to an end an eventful two-and-a-half-years with AFC, during which he has held several roles.

The former AFC Telford player was brought to Barrow by former boss Dave Bayliss in the summer of 2013 in a player-coaching role.

He took charge in a caretaker role in November of that year following Bayliss’ departure, and was named as Darren Edmondson’s number two when he took the reins the following month.

Meechan formed a great bond with Edmondson and the following season the ‘Edmolution’ took shape as Barrow were crowned Conference North champions after a dramatic final day victory at Lowestoft Town. When Edmondson was relieved of his duties in November after a patchy first few months in the National League, Meechan was retained by Cox as first team coach, until the announcement at the weekend.

When asked to sum up his feelings on his time at Holker Street the 36-year-old from Plymouth said: “I want to thank the fans first of all and the club as a whole. The fans have paid my wages and I really appreciate their support and I wish them all the luck in the world. I’ve stood with them at times, I’ve been a fan with them.

“I wish all the players and fans all the success for the future.

“I’ve enjoyed the job and the role. I’ve seen a lot of changes in the last two-and-a-half-years with changing managers, going from part-time to full-time, being involved in the community set-up, the takeover and such like, and it has been a great experience.

“I’ve enjoyed working in the community side of the club and immersing myself in the community. I’ve met a lot of great people in Barrow which I will be eternally grateful for. I’ve also enjoyed some of the proudest moments of my 20 years in football while I’ve been at Barrow.

“Obviously winning the title was the biggest highlight, having that bond with Edmo and the ‘Edmolution’ factor last year. Being stood there at Lowestoft as a fan was pretty special, as I think any Barrovian fan will tell you.

“Letting my kids (Lilia and Louie) run out on the Holker Street pitch (at the title homecoming celebration) was another very proud moment. And also being caretaker manager of a fantastic football club for six games (in November 2013) is something I will look back on with pride.

“I’ve worked tirelessly for the club. I’m relaxed and comfortable with the situation. I know I went about my day to day roles to the best of my ability and I have immersed myself in all aspects of the club and community.

“Even on Saturday (when Barrow lost 2-1 at home to Cheltenham) I was running down that touchline and urging the players on to get that equalizer. I’ve given it all my effort.”

Meechan didn’t dwell on his relationship with current boss Cox, other than to say: “I was made aware of the decision disappointingly, but not surprisingly, by an email from the chairman (Paul Casson) and then followed up by a phone call from the chairman.

“The abrupt ending is obviously disappointing and sad, but I’m proud at what I’ve achieved at the football club. I suppose the abrupt ending only backs up my thoughts and concerns on some of the current aspects of the football club.”

Widnes-based Meechan is hoping to use his experience gained at Barrow to return to football soon, and added: “I’ve been inundated in a short space of time from people in the network of football which is encouraging.

“And anyone who knows me knows I’m a positive person, not only in football but in life, and you’ve got to remember two other people (Anderton and Maher) have lost their jobs as well.

“I’m open-minded. I’ve seen a lot. I’ve got a lot to give. I’ve got a lot of energy and passion and desire to give to someone and people always need that. There’ll be opportunities I hope and I’ll work hard to make sure there are opportunities for me.”

Cox was not available for comment on the departures yesterday, but a club statement read: “After careful consideration and due process, Barrow’s board of directors and manager Paul Cox have agreed to completely reconfigure the playing support staff both in terms of structure and personnel.

“This means that first team coach Alex Meechan, sports therapist Dan Anderton and strength and conditioning coach Paddy Maher have left the club with immediate effect.

“The club would like to place on record their thanks to Meechan, who has been at Holker Street since the summer of 2013, when he was brought in by Dave Bayliss following relegation from the then Conference Premier. Barrow AFC also thank Anderton and Maher who came in as part of Darren Edmondson’s backroom team.”