Barrow AFC chairman Paul Hornby has confirmed that the new ownership structure at the club has been ratified by the National League.

The news comes two months after Hornby finished putting together the consortium that replaced previous owner Paul Casson as the Bluebirds’ figurehead and it means they can now properly start planning for the future.

Hornby, who was already a director under the previous regime, will be remaining as chairman until the end of the season, when the position will be assessed by the club.

Joining him as part of the consortium are local businessmen Tony Shearer, Mark Hetherington and Kristian Wilkes, while the Bluebirds Trust will have a ten per cent stake, as AFC supporters get a say in how the club moves forward.

In a statement, Hornby said: “I’m pleased to report we have now received confirmation that the change of ownership for Barrow Bluebirds Limited has been accepted by the National League.

“It is now a good number of weeks since we announced the identity of the new owners, but we had to wait to get through all the due diligence which is now complete.

“Over the next few days, the regulatory changes at Companies House and the club’s website will be updated.

“The new owners are very keen to meet the supporters, but as you may be aware Tony Shearer resides in the USA.

“His first trip over is planned for the Ebbsfleet game on February 23, therefore we are provisionally looking at a time when we can get together before that game. We’ll firm up these plans in the coming days.”

With the takeover now officially complete, the new owners can now focus on backing the team for the rest of the current season and start putting a plan in place for the following campaign.

Hornby continued: “During January we’ve supported Ian Evatt with some new additions as he looks to strengthen the squad.

“We still have high hopes we can achieve something this year, given our run over the Christmas period.

“On a similar note, I’m sure I speak for everyone involved with the club by extending our congratulations to Ian for his manager of the month award for December.

“Finally, I can’t not mention the incredible support at the Salford game – thank you so much. It was the perfect day and you guys really were the 12th man.

“I can’t remember a day like that for a long time and it gives us so much encouragement as we move forward.

“Halifax is an extremely important game on Saturday if we are to push on to where we want to be. Please come and show that level of support to Ian and the team as it does make a difference.”