BARROW AFC has offered its condolences after the news of the deaths of two former players.

The Bluebirds took to social media, posting on X (formerly Twitter) following the news.

The statement read: “Everyone at Barrow AFC is saddened to hear about the passing of former players Steve Higgins and Roy McCarthy.

“All the thoughts of everyone at the club go to Steve and Roy’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

Higgins was signed by then Barrow AFC boss Ray Wilkie in 1987.

The defender left the Bluebirds in October 1988, but returned to the club a month later.

In total he made 159 appearances for the Cumbrians, scoring three goals.

He was part of the side which won the HFS Loans League Premier Division title in the 1988-89 campaign, and got the club promoted back to the Vauxhall Conference.

In his final season at Holker Street, Higgins was part of the team that lifted the FA Trophy at Wembley in May 1990, it would be his final game for the club.

McCarthy, who died earlier this year, was a speedy winger signed by then boss Don McEvoy during his first spell in charge of the club in July 1964.

He started out at the age of 17 with home club Barnsley, but only made three senior appearances.

The Tykes released him on a free transfer after two years as a professional at Oakwell.

In his first season at Holker Street, McCarthy scored seven times in 30 appearances.

His most telling contribution probably came in his third season with the Bluebirds – as he netted 12 times in 40 league matches.

Those goals came in the 1966-67 season as Barrow were promoted from what was then the Fourth Division of English football.

Following a transfer request, McCarthy went on to play for Southport and Weymouth.

He returned to Barrow to feature in their first season as a Northern Premier League side, and retired from playing in 1973.

In total, he made 189 appearances and scored 41 goals.