In the big picture, the key point here is that Barrow’s highest-ever league finish, since their founding in 1901, was eighth place in the third tier – and that was 1968. But before that was a nearly 50-year run in the league, so they were solid if not particularly successful. There were some good years in the 1950s, including a couple of FA Cup…

Traditionally, that would be Workington – now two leagues below them – and Carlisle United, now a league above them. The latter is referred to as the Cumbrian Derby. At 87 miles distant, in this remote part of England we suppose that counts as neighbors! Morecambe, Fleetwood Town and Blackpool are all just across Morecambe Bay but don’t seem to…

When I attended the derby at Carlisle, the Barrow fans actually did a song I had not heard before. It’s a long, slow, rising-and-falling “Heeeyyy, Barroooow … Heeeeyyy, Barroooww!” Not the greatest song in the world, but also not one I’ve heard elsewhere. So that’s something. There’s a video of that song…

Holker Street, capacity 5,400, opened in 1909 and is about as old-fashioned as they get. It hasn’t had much work done since the 1,000-seat Main Stand opened in 1998. Across from that is the Popular Stand, with covered and uncovered home terracing, and behind one goal is another covered terrace housing home and away fans. The other end has a…

GETTING THERE: First, if you’re in Barrow-in-Furness, it’s because you meant to be. By rail it’s at the end of a roughly 2.5-hour direct train from Manchester. From the station, it’s just a 15-minute walk to the ground. Here’s a Google Maps link. PUBS: The Tally Ho is a nice choice, a five-minute walk away and with outdoor seating…