Key Highlights
- Neil McDonald takes temporary charge of Barrow after the club dismissed Andy Whing and Craig Pead.
- McDonald is well-known to Lincoln City supporters from his assistant role during their 2007/08 period in League Two.
- Barrow sits 18th in the table, four points above the relegation places, following a heavy 3-0 defeat against Tranmere.
- The club’s chairman released a statement explaining the decision to make a change mid-season.
Barrow’s Coaching Crisis: McDonald Steps In
Graham Burrell reports that Neil McDonald, formerly of Lincoln City, has taken temporary charge at Barrow following the dismissal of head coach Andy Whing and his assistant Craig Pead. This move comes after a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Tranmere on December 11, 2025.
McDonald’s name rings familiar to many Lincoln City supporters from his tenure as Peter Jackson’s assistant during their 2007/08 season in League Two. McDonald had only recently returned to Holker Street for a third coaching spell with the club.
A Team Struggling: Barrow’s Current Situation
The move comes at an unfortunate time for Barrow, who are currently sitting 18th in the table, four points above the relegation places. Their poor form is evident from their recent results; a heavy defeat against Tranmere was preceded by a goal from former Carlisle and Grimsby striker Kristian Dennis.
According to chairman Paul Hornby, the club believes that making a change mid-season will give them the best chance of climbing up the league table. “Our current league position does not reflect the quality and investment put into the squad,” he stated in a recent press release. “We believe this change gives us the best opportunity to improve our performance.”
McDonald’s Resumé: A Career in Coaching
Mcdonald, now 60, has had a varied career in coaching across various levels of football. He previously managed Carlisle United during the 2006-07 season and has held assistant manager roles at Blackpool, Scunthorpe United, Walsall, Swindon Town, and Barrow. His immediate task is to prepare the squad for a tough trip to Gillingham this weekend.
McDonald’s recent experience includes a stint with Hartlepool in October 2025, where he was seen as a valuable addition to their coaching team. His appointment at Barrow represents a return to his roots and an opportunity to demonstrate his managerial acumen once again.
A Look Back: McDonald’s Time at Lincoln City
His spell at Lincoln City came in 2007 during Peter Jackson’s tenure, where he arrived as assistant manager shortly after leaving Carlisle United. He stayed only a matter of months before Leeds United took him to Elland Road, with City receiving compensation for the switch.
Under Jackson and McDonald, Lincoln City showed promise, winning eight out of 18 matches during that season. This run included three consecutive 2-1 victories against Shrewsbury, Macclesfield, and Rotherham at Sincil Bank.
The team’s performance under their joint management was seen as better than what followed when Iffy took over.
McDonald’s next challenge is to stabilize a struggling Barrow side and turn the fortunes of the club around in the remaining part of the season. Time will tell whether his experience can make a significant difference, especially with a tough fixture list ahead.
The situation at Barrow marks another chapter in McDonald’s diverse career, and fans will be watching closely as he takes charge for the first time since leaving Lincoln City.
