EFL club instantly replace manager sacked just 40 days into tenure

Barrow have sacked manager Paul Gallagher just 40 days and five matches after appointing him.

The League Two side lost every game and dropped down to 22nd under Gallagher, who was only given the job on January 2.

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They now sit only three points clear of the relegation zone, with the club’s position in the EFL coming under major threat.

That has led to Barrow deciding to make a change quickly and they have certainly found a replacement with real speed.

Just six minutes after confirming on social media that Gallagher was departing the club, they announced their new manager.

Dino Maamria has been appointed as Barrow boss, taking on his first role since leaving Burton Albion in December 2023.

Maamria twice helped save Burton from relegation in League One and the Bluebirds hope for a similar impact now.

The 54-year-old said after his appointment: “I’m thrilled to join the club and can’t wait to get started.

“It’s a terrific club that I’ve watched from afar and I know a lot about the players who I’m excited to get to work with.

“The situation I come into is something I have been in before and I can never promise to win every week, but my teams will always show heart, desire and passion and cover every blade of grass.

“It’s so important we all work together, players, staff and the supporters and make a team that will do the town proud.”

Maamria’s first game in charge will come on Saturday as Barrow take on Colchester United at the SO Legal Stadium.

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Gallagher’s short stint

Gallagher signed an 18-month contract as Barrow manager at the start of January, replacing Andy Whing in the dugout.

He was initially brought in as an interim coach, but took charge of the team permanently soon after.

It was his first full-time managerial role after spending a short time as caretaker boss at Stoke City three years ago.

But he would go on to lose his first game 3-1 away at Crewe, following that up with a defeat at home to Crawley Town.

Losses to Swindon and Notts County then came after that, with his fifth and final game coming away at Shrewsbury on Tuesday.

And after his side were beaten 2-1, Gallagher was dismissed.

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Survival specialist

Maamria has now come in to replace Gallagher and has a tough job on his hands to prevent a drop to the National League.

But he thrives in these situations, saving Burton during his tenure by keeping them in League One with three games to spare.

That achievement came after he had also helped the Brewers win nine of their remaining 12 matches and stay up as an assistant to manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink the season prior.

As Burton boss, he won 28 of his 73 games in charge in all competitions, losing 29 and drawing 16.

Barrow have revealed in their announcement that since leaving the Pirelli Stadium, Maamria has been perfecting his craft.

He has spent time working with PSG, RB Leipzig, Valencia and Brentford, ‘learning their methods and best practises’.