‘Humiliating’ – Barrow Boss Slams Players After Five Goal Drubbing

Barrow AFC head coach Andy Whing has delivered a brutal assessment of his squad following a heavy 5-0 defeat at Blackpool in the EFL Trophy.

The Bluebirds were outclassed at Bloomfield Road, extending their miserable run to four straight defeats in all competitions.

Five-Goal Collapse Piles on the Pressure

Barrow, who sit just above the League Two relegation zone, endured another nightmare evening as goals from Ashley Fletcher, Andrew Lyons and Dale Taylor were capped by a double from Scott Banks. The result left Whing’s side without a win in September and with only six goals scored in 10 games this season.

The head coach, appointed in May 2024 after a spell in non-league management, did not hold back in his post-match remarks. He admitted the performance was “embarrassing” and questioned the commitment and quality of several players who featured against Steve Bruce’s Seasiders.

“It’s humiliating losing five-nil. I don’t care who you’re playing against. Whether it’s not our strongest team, whether it’s a League One team, it’s irrelevant. You don’t want to be losing by those margins,” Whing said. “There are one or two who are nowhere near it, they’re just not good enough.”

Problems in Both Boxes

Whing’s frustration was evident as he highlighted missed chances early in the game, including a close-range effort from striker Tyler Walker, before Blackpool punished two defensive lapses to take control. “At the minute we’re just rubbish in both boxes,” he added, lamenting the team’s inability to turn opportunities into goals while gifting opponents simple chances.

Despite the heavy loss, Whing suggested that many of those who finished the game will not feature when Barrow return to League Two action. “The only positive to take is the ones who finished the game will be nowhere near that starting XI on Saturday,” he said, insisting that protecting his key players was the priority.

Saturday’s clash at Holker Street against eighth-placed Crewe Alexandra now looms as a crucial test. With pressure building, Whing must quickly find a way to restore confidence in a squad that appears fragile and short of quality.

Site Opinion

Whing’s candid words underline the seriousness of Barrow’s current situation. A 5-0 defeat, regardless of competition, raises major concerns about depth, discipline and mentality. His willingness to publicly call out underperformers is a bold move that could either spark a reaction or risk losing the dressing room altogether.

With the Bluebirds already looking nervously over their shoulders, the next few weeks may prove pivotal in defining their season. Crewe’s visit provides little respite, but a response is essential if Barrow are to halt the slide and keep their League Two status secure.