IT remains all quiet on the Wanderers front as Barrow stepped up their search for a new manager today.

Reports at the weekend claimed the Bluebirds wanted former defender – now Bolton first team coach – Sam Hird to succeed Phil Brown at Holker Street.

Barrow issued a statement this afternoon to say they have now made an official approach for their top target. But the word from Wanderers is that they have received no contact from the League Two club, as things stand.

“The club can reassure all supporters that work is continuing behind the scenes to appoint a new First Team Manager as we look ahead to the 2022/23 League Two campaign,” a Barrow statement read today.

“We have worked swiftly to identity our top target and can confirm that on Monday an approach was made to his current club to ask for permission to speak to him regarding our vacancy and agree appropriate compensation.

“We will keep fans updated on any further developments.”

Hird has been made one of the bookmakers’ favourites for the job and it held in high esteem up in Cumbria after helping the club to promotion from the National League under Ian Evatt two years ago.

Last summer Hird re-joined Evatt at the UniBol, taking charge of the reserve team in the Central League and working with the first team.

Other names who have been mentioned include Gateshead boss Mike Wiliamson and Halifax manager Pete Wild.