Barrow AFC see Moore as man to lead the club forward

Moore has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Bluebirds, having spent the past six games in interim charge.

He was chosen over a number of ‘qualified candidates’, with Barrow owner Paul Casson and managing director Andrew Casson feeling he was the candidate who could help the club grow.

Results in Moore’s six games as caretaker were mixed – with one win against Boreham Wood, three draws and two defeats – but Andrew Casson said the board had been pleased with progress made regarding the style of play.

The directors felt Moore had suffered from severe misfortune both with regard to injuries – with Dave Nisekens, Thierry Audel, Jack Barthram, Adi Yussuf and Moussa Diarra all hurt to varying degrees at some point in that spell, with Alex-Ray Harvey suspended for three games as well – and refereeing decisions.

They also recognised the need to strengthen the squad in the coming weeks – something Moore and head of football operations Paul Ogden have already begun by bringing in defenders Jordon Thompson and Paul Bignot – and again come January.

Casson said: “I think for anyone who has watched the team’s performances over the last two-and-a-half, three weeks – two weeks since he started implementing his new style – there has been some really good football played, some good results – the Boreham Wood game – some unlucky results – Guiseley and Tranmere – and then what we would all call a down day on Saturday against Torquay.

“We liked what he has done in terms of the playing style in those few weeks.

“Sid Blain and Jamie Reid (both AFC directors) have been down to the training ground quite a few times to watch him work there, and all of their feedback has been that the players are really happy and working hard. You can just tell there is a bit of extra energy.

“Paul Ogden is a big fan of Micky’s and thinks that they have a good relationship, have worked together well, and can keep the momentum going and moving in the right direction that Paul Ogden had with Paul Cox before he left.”

He added: “The Boreham Wood result speaks for itself in terms of the quality of the play and the attitude and determination of the players to finish off the game once Alex-Ray Harvey was sent off.

“The Tranmere game, if they don’t disallow that goal – and I still don’t understand how it was disallowed – then a draw was probably a fair result, but you could argue that we could probably have come away with three points with managing the game like we did against Boreham Wood.

“Guiseley was always going to be tough to get a result with the weather and the way Paul Cox sets up defences, then Saturday was one of those that show why these players play in the National League, because they are going to have bad days.

“Really, his only negative so far is that he lacks a little bit of luck when it comes to refereeing decisions and the injury side of things.

“It comes down to the impact he has made on player attitude, behaviour and discipline.

“Then there is the way he has been able to work with myself and the other directors, frankly getting a change of pace when it comes to honesty and openness, and presenting a vision about what needs to change.”

The club issued the following statement on Moore’s appointment: “Barrow AFC are pleased to appoint Micky Moore as the next manager of Barrow AFC.

“Micky has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal to be the successor to Paul Cox. The board are very excited about the changes that Micky has been able to implement in such a short time-frame, much of it done on his own.

“Over the course of the month, I (Andrew Casson) have seen dozens of CVs come across my desk, and the chairman (Paul Casson) and I have spoken to several of the more qualified candidates, but at the end of the day, we like what we have seen from Micky and think what he brings is necessary for the next stage of the club’s growth.

“He also has an excellent working relationship with Paul Ogden, which would have been critical for any potential manager.

“Micky was asked to make changes to the style of play to produce more exciting football for supporters and give the players a chance to flourish. He has done very well implementing those changes and we see that in the attitude and commitment of the players.

“The final results haven’t gone our way, but outside of a lacklustre display against Torquay, the commitment has been excellent and the performances are improving. Off the pitch, Micky has a very honest approach to the game, which values players regardless of their place in the squad. However, he does not hide the truth when players or staff need to improve. This can be seen in greater discipline at the training ground and an excitement in the players that they get an opportunity to build their strengths.

“He has also displayed a resilience in the face of so many injuries, reacting with patience when many would quickly shift to blaming or complaining.

“We are excited to have Micky officially take over as manager of the football club and think the move will bring stability and confidence to the players.

“Micky’s next tasks are to find an assistant manager, build out his staff and, with Paul Ogden, present a 90-day action plan to the board that shows where the club needs to improve, both in terms of the squad and off the pitch.

“This is another step in the journey and I hope the supporters get behind Micky and give him the backing he deserves.”