Exclusive: Derek Adams the Front-Runner as Barrow Move Quickly to Replace Axed Boss Whing

Former Morecambe manager Derek Adams is the front-runner to become the new Barrow boss, SportsBoom exclusively reveals.

Barrow sacked manager Andy Whing earlier this week after just 11 months in charge of the struggling League Two club.

A disappointing 3-0 home defeat to Tranmere Rovers on Tuesday was the final straw for the Bluebirds’ board as they dismissed Whing with the club languishing in 18th place in the table.

And our sources have now learnt that ex-Shrimps boss Adams is the club’s number one target as they look to turn their faltering season around.

Barrow appointed Whing on a two-and-a-half-year deal in January, replacing former boss Stephen Clemence at the managerial helm.

But nine defeats and just five wins from their opening 19 league fixtures, which includes a run of only nine points from 11 home league games, was Whing out of the exit door.

And now former Bradford City, Ross County and Plymouth Argyle manager Adams could be Whing’s replacement.

"After careful consideration, we feel that our current league position does not reflect the quality and the investment that has been put into the squad that we have assembled," said Barrow chairman Paul Hornby, announcing Whing’s departure.

CAREFUL CONSIDERATION

"This is not a decision we have taken lightly. After careful consideration, we feel that our current league position does not reflect the quality and the investment that has been put into the squad that we have assembled.”

"We believe that making a change at this stage of the season gives us the best possible chance to begin climbing the league table."

SportsBoom recently revealed Barrow’s interest in signing veteran Bradford City striker Andy Cook in January, and the appointment of Adams, who holds strong ties with the West Yorkshire club from his previous spell in charge, could help accelerate any move for the experienced forward.

Having not won in the league for two months, any manager taking over the Barrow hotseat knows they have their work cut out to stay in the division.

But 50-year-old Adams is no stranger to relegation battles and has vast experience in the lower divisions respectively.

The Glaswegian was sacked by Morecambe in August, his third spell at the club, after a takeover by new owners. 

He had been in charge for 14 months before a change of direction following the arrival of owners Panjab Warriors.