MANAGING director Andrew Casson is happy Neill Hornby can steady the Barrow AFC ship while in caretaker charge.

Hornby only arrived on Friday as Micky Moore's assistant, but has found himself catapulted into the hotseat four days later following Moore's axing.

The 51-year-old former Burton Albion coach is leading the team in training this week, and will take the Bluebirds to Ebbsfleet on Saturday unless a permanent appointment is made in the interim.

“Part of the reason of having Neill on board was his CV and credentials of being with winning league clubs, and his background before that being a bit of a hard man with his army and police background,” said Casson.

“We're more than comfortable with him taking charge in the short-term until we sort it out.”

Hornby is on a contract until the end of the season, and Casson is hopeful any new manager will be happy to work with him for at least that time-frame.

He added: “Given Neill's track record and the contract we have in place, we would recommend that he stay in place. It's not going to limit their ability to bring in their own people.

“At the end of the day, it adds strength to strength. That's how we view it.”