Five things we learned about Barrow's management style

The 62-year-old - who has today been appointed as caretaker manager - took charge for Latics’ trip to Blackburn when Warren Joyce was absent following eye surgery.

Here are five things we learned from his interviews before and after that match...

On Latics fans:

“I always say, with the Wigan people, if you give them something to shout for, they’re right behind you.

“They’re quite unique, in their own way, I’ve always found. If you’ve had a good game, a bad game, an indifferent game, they’ll tell you – and then they’ll have a drink with you.

“That’s how it used to be in my playing days, and they’ve not changed.

“If you put your heart and soul into your performance, you’ll get the backing you deserve.

“Any player who wants to make a name for himself at this club, just put in 100 per cent.”

On the prospect of relegation:

“The players have to ask themselves where they want to play their football next year. The only way you can make that happen is to get out there and win some football matches.

“No disrespect to any of the League One grounds, but going to Villa Park and Molineux this year...that’s what you want to stay in this league for.”

On players’ abilities:

“We’ve got a good group of lads here. They just need to get the bit between their teeth and show what they’re made of.”

On stepping up to the helm:

“I’m just in a cupboard, and they keep wheeling me out when they need me! I’ve been privileged to work for the club as long as I have, and I’ve obviously seen some fantastic things. This club is a very big part of my life, and I’m proud to be able to help wherever I can.”

On their performances:

“I think the defensive players are more than holding their own, and that has to continue obviously.

“My concern is the midfield area. Having played in midfield myself, I know you can be having a poor time on the ball yourself, but there’s still every reason to be competitive yourself, and stop the opposition.

“Some things never change in football. I think sometimes because you’ve been in the game a long time, some people may look at your point of view as ‘old school’.

“But even the top teams like Chelsea and Liverpool are all renowned for being competitive and on the front foot, and stopping teams from playing the ball forward.

“That’s not changed since I’ve been in the game. It’s aggression, without being overly stupid. “If I stood in the middle of the pitch, and nobody came within 10-15 yards of me, I could still pick a pass that would cause a problem.

“The message can’t be any more simple than that. Why give somebody that much space to play in?”