Paul Casson was a man who polarised opinion among Barrow AFC supporters during his four years as owner and reaction to his departure has been suitably mixed.

On one hand, he’s stepping away with the club in a higher division than it was when he took over, which is in no small part down to the millions that he invested in it.

However, it’s been the inability to build on promotion to the National League in 2015 that has frustrated some fans, with the Bluebirds almost suffering relegation last season.

Added to that, Casson’s ambitions of redeveloping Holker Street into a Football League-quality stadium never became reality under his stewardship.

But there are plenty who remain grateful for what he has done for the club.

Thomas Pearce wrote on The Mail’s Facebook page: “Thanks Paul I’ll never forget when Ian and I were working outside the popular side and you came to join us after a 3,000 mile flight train from Euston and walked up Holker Street from the station.

“Thanks for everything and let’s all look to the next chapter.”

John Earnshaw added: “He came back and took over a club that was on its knees and going bust. If anyone has a go at the guy for that it’s unbelievable.”

But some of the messages conveyed how not all his aims for the club were realised, with Lee Jackson writing: “Wanted football league, new stadium. Hope he puts ‘failed football owner’ on his CV. We will be out of this league in the next few years.

Stuart Akister said: “What’s he given back? A new boiler and the cheapest floodlights ever seen in a football ground?”

There were those who were willing to come to Casson’s defence, with Stuart Benson replying: “To all the critics, if you can do better step up to the plate and put your money in. Thought not!

“Good luck to Paul Hornby, all true fans know it’s a difficult job but fingers crossed for you on your new adventure.”