STATEMENT RELEASED ON BEHALF OF STEPHEN CLEMENCE
“I would like to thank the owners, and Chief Executive, Iain Wood, for giving me the opportunity to be the Head Coach of Barrow AFC.
“We could not have wished for a better start to the season; winning seven and drawing one of our first ten games to put us top of League Two, and reaching the third round of the League Cup with a historic tie against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. We will all remember that evening in London. Our supporters singing “We are top of the league!” and the players fulfilling their boyhood dreams by playing in a Premier League arena. I’m proud that I played a part in making those memories for everyone connected with the club.
“Unfortunately, we couldn’t sustain that form and started to experience far too many injuries. Not being able to pick the same team consecutively hindered us, but that was the hand we were dealt. We tried everything to turn things around, however momentum stalled and confidence was hit. We lost games and, while I am disappointed to leave, I respect the club’s decision. Looking back, I know we couldn’t have worked any harder.
“I could not have asked more of the players and staff. I would like to thank them for their contribution and wish them all the very best for the future. To the supporters - I would also like to thank you for your warm welcome, and travelling such distances to support the players week in, week out. I wish Andy, his coaching staff, and everyone at the club luck and success moving forward.
“Football is often determined by fine margins and moments, and sometimes they go against you. I have learned a great deal from my time at Barrow AFC and I’ll reflect and analyse what has gone well and where I need to improve. I will be better on the back of this experience and I am as determined, as ever, to continue my journey in football.”
