FOOTBALL fans met their heroes on Saturday at a football meet-and-greet event.

Barrow AFC players rubbed shoulders with supporters at Dalton Road’s Costa Coffee shop for a special meet-the-players event.

Swarms of loyal Bluebirds packed the coffee shop in a bid to grab as many signatures and photographs with players before the team shoots down to Wales for Barrow’s 2019/20 season opener against opponents Wrexham.

Drew Anderson, the coffee store’s manager, said: “I contacted the media team at the club and they were very keen to get more involved with the community.

“I’m a big believer in uniting the wider community with the sports clubs.

“The team has become younger and therefore attracts youth.

“We want to provide more of these sorts of events because it gets people into the town centre, which benefits all the stores.”

Fan favourite Dior Angus, who recently signed from Port Vale, was busy throughout the event signing autographs.

He said: “It’s great to hold these sorts of events because although we play home games in Barrow, we train in Manchester.

“So it’s rare we get to speak one-on-one with the fans.

“These events are about creating a positive relationship with the public as and when we can.”

Also present was Barrow manager Ian Evatt.

The ex-Premier League defender said: “It’s important to work with businesses within the local community.

“When I took charge last season, one of our main aims was to reduce the gulf between fans and the club.

“Tickets sales are on the up for this coming season and reconnecting with fans is always good for team morale.”

Going forward Mr Anderson wants to host other events for the community, including bringing in local sports star to attract a wider audience.

He said: “We want to look at doing more of these types of events involving Barrow Raiders.

“I’d like to get England star Georgia Stanway too because I know many young women look up to her as a role model.”