A SURPRISE candidate has emerged as the frontrunner to take the vacant Barrow AFC manager position.

Current Barnsley coach Adam Murray has been made the 2/1 favourite by Sky Bet to replace caretaker boss Rob Kelly.

39-year-old Murray has previously had managerial spells at Mansfield Town and Boston United.

Murray guided League Two Mansfield to 21st and 12th, before leaving the club during the 16/17 season.

In 2017, he left left National League North side Boston partway through the 17/18 campaign after finishing 15th the season before.

A year later Murray was appointed as Barnsley’s Under 18s manager but is now assistant coach to head coach Valérien Ismaël.

Mark Cooper and Keith Hill, have been linked with The Bluebirds post as well, with them both listed as 5/1 and 7/1 respectively.

Cooper has recently left Forest Green Rovers, whereas Hill was sacked by Tranmere just days before their play-off campaign kicks off.

They join Sammy Lee and John McGreal on the list of contenders.

The list of potential Barrow managers, according to Sky Bet:

Adam Murray – 2/1

Mark Cooper – 5/1

Keith Hill – 7/1

Sammy Lee – 8/1

John McGreal – 10/1

John Sheridan – 10/1

Neal Ardley – 10/1

Peter Atherton – 10/1

Sam Ricketts – 10/1

Kenny Jacket – 12/1