Mark Cooper has been confirmed as Barrow AFC's new manager - on a three-year deal.

The former Forest Green boss has today been unveiled by the Bluebirds.

Cooper arrives as successor to Rob Kelly, with Richard Dryden also arriving at Holker Street as his assistant manager.

It marks a quick return to management for 52-year-old Cooper after his departure from Forest Green in April.

And Barrow believe the former Swindon and Peterborough man can lead them to success in the 2021/22 season.

Chairman Paul Hornby told the Mail: "Mark was an easy appointment, at the end of the day - he's been there and done it, has 700 games in management, and has got promotions and has got teams to the play-offs.

"When you meet him, you can see that he's a winner. He's confident and he likes his teams to play football, which our supporters like.

"We did get a good calibre of applicants, but as soon as we saw Mark, it was clear he was by far the strongest."

Cooper had been odds-on favourite for several days, with bookies then closing their markets on the former Exeter and Hartlepool player getting the job.

His appointment comes just two weeks after former interim boss Kelly, who steered Barrow to League Two safety last season, informed the board that he did not want to be considered for the permanent post.

Cooper had been in charge for nearly five years at Forest Green, having led the Nailsworth club into the Football League.