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.

Philip Winger said: "We're not messing here, aren't we going for a really big name with a massive proven success rate. We don't want to be messing about again next season for Pete's sake. Get serious, it's our future. Mentioning no names but Barrow AFC are not a stepping stone for would be managers. We want a proven manager. We're BARROW AFC."

Will Norman said: "What about Nicky Butt or Robbie Fowler, they could maybe bring players on loan from Utd or Liverpool U23s. They would worth a shot as manager."

Trevor Dickinson said: "A good place to start would be, what is the real reason Mr Kelly turned the role down. Reason I'm asking is that he looked so enthusiastic as Barrow’s manager, it just doesn't make any sense. Barrow had a tailor-made manager in Rob, why did they let him go. They should have broken the bank to keep him."

Wayne Whimes said: "Sammy Lee was on coaching staff at Liverpool, then with Sven Goran Erickson for England, assistant to Allerdyce at Bolton, then manager in 2007, now assistant head coach at WBA, favourite (out of that bunch) for me."

Oliver Morris said: "Doesn't matter who you have as a manager, without funds and massive support you will not be able to pay for the players the managers want to sign. If you had Jurgen Klopp the team would fail. Barrow needs the support of the people who only turn out or travel miles when they are playing a high-profile team in a cup round. Unfortunately, they then disappear never to be seen again."