John’s little brother Darren – who spent three years in the Boundary Park midfield – takes his Barrow team into battle tonight in the Blue Square North play-off final.
Barrow tackle Stalybridge Celtic in a promotion showdown, the winners of which are set to play in the Blue Square Premier next season, only one step outside the Football League.
And there is plenty of interest for Latics fans as Barrow face a Stalybridge side including three ex-Boundary Park youngsters in Chris Hall, Matty Barlow and Ashley Winn.
Barrow have had joint-managers since midway through this season when Darren Sheridan and Dave Bayliss took control.
The pair have done a superb job and Sheridan, who at the age of 40 is three years younger than John, continues to play his part on the pitch.
Barrow, however, could have their hands full against Stalybridge stars Hall, Barlow and Winn – the club’s three leading scorers this term.
Hall quit professional football last year in order to pursue other interests, particularly acting, but he has blasted 19 goals in his first season at Stalybridge.
Fellow striker Barlow was released by Athletic 12 months ago and, having already had a loan spell at Bower Fold, he made the switch permanent.
Winn made two appearances for Athletic in season 2004/05 and has since become one of the top midfielders in non-league football.
The Blue Square North play-off final is being played at Burton Albion tonight (7.45) and there is live coverage on Setanta Sports.
