Paul Casson has brought to an end his four-year reign at Barrow with immediate effect.
Casson took over in May 2014 and under his ownership the Bluebirds won promotion back to the National League the following year, but have been unable to push for promotion to the Football League. For the latest football odds head over to winningsportsbets.co.uk
Last season they narrowly avoided relegation on the final day after going through three different managers.
Club director Paul Hornby will be taking over and fans will have the chance to quiz the new man in charge at a question and answer session on Friday.
Casson's statement read: “After careful consideration, it is time for me to end my ownership of Barrow AFC. The plan was for this to take a bit more time, but when Paul Hornby stepped up to take over, I knew it was right.
“Hopefully, the timing is correct that my time as chairman of Barrow AFC should now come to a close. It is unfortunate that the final decision follows Saturdays painful defeat, but there are moments in time that are precipitated by events, and perhaps this is one. This was most likely going to be our final year and so we had been planning a suitable transition. My feeling now is that it's execution should come sooner than later, in order for new leadership to get up and running in time for planning the second half of the season and next year.
“I will dispense with all the normal self congratulatory cliches, history will decide if our custodianship had merit or not.
“It is time for the town and the clubs supporters to embrace the new path forward, guided by Paul Hornby. His vision is, I believe, one that is worthy of support, but I will leave it to him to spell that out. It feels like the right transition at the right time.
“Running a football club is interesting. It is something akin to a combination of spiritual adulation married to a perpetual public flogging. It is however, addictive in that it is rarely boring, and there are always many subjects for debate. It is far more complex than I ever imagined. Paul has already seen a lot of the mistakes we made in close proximity and so hopefully he will begin with an advantage.
“As time passes, I will realize how much I truly loved the experience, though it is a little soon for that at the moment.
“To all our true supporters I wish to express my heartfelt thanks. Please give Paul Hornby and his team your unbridled support, beginning on Saturday at home to Barnet.
“The world of football never stops. We are out of the FA Cup but there is much left to play for and I believe our manager deserves your support. Sometimes a change can kick start a campaign, and so I will be watching as Paul and Ian continue the Barrow AFC journey.”
