Carlisle United's fellow Cumbrian League Two outfit Barrow have sacked boss Michael Jolley - after just seven games in charge.

The struggling Bluebirds today announced the shock decision to axe the manager who had only been appointed in late December.

It follows a run of four straight defeats, culminating in yesterday's 2-1 derby defeat to Morecambe.

Experienced assistant boss and former caretaker Rob Kelly has been placed in charge until the end of the season as second-bottom Barrow try to avoid an immediate return to the National League.

The south Cumbrian club said that the board and ex-Grimsby boss Jolley, who was hired after the dismissal of David Dunn, had different views on how the team should play.

They said this had become apparent in a short space of time despite having claimed in December that Jolley's arrival followed "rigorous interviews" and that the 43-year-old came with an exciting "blueprint for the future".

Jolley, who had signed a two-and-a-half-year contract, goes after overseeing one victory, one draw and five defeats in his short time in charge.

The decision also follows a period of heavy mid-season recruitment, Barrow having made nine new signings - including ex-United midfielder Jamie Devitt - and then controversially furloughing some players who were left out of favour.

In a statement, Barrow chairman Paul Hornby said today: “It has become apparent even in such a short space of time that unfortunately the board and Michael have differing visions for how the team should play, which has led to this change being made.

“We believe that it’s best to recognise this now and make the change early so that the team can concentrate on the remaining games of the season.

"We’d like to thank Michael for all of his hard work and wish him well in his future career.

“Rob Kelly has been appointed as caretaker manager with immediate effect and will lead the team until the end of the season.

"Rob has had a successful, albeit brief, spell in charge of the team earlier in the season and is aligned to our philosophies and culture.

“This has not been an easy decision to make. However, the board feel that it’s the right decision and one that gives us the best possible chance of remaining in League Two, which is the ultimate aim of everybody associated with Barrow AFC.”

Jolley's predcessor Dunn, who was appointed as Ian Evatt's successor after last season's promotion, lasted 17 league games before being dismissed.

Barrow sit 23rd in the table, in the relegation places by a point, and appear locked in a three-way battle for survival.

They are two points above bottom side Grimsby, one behind third-bottom Southend, but with a further nine point gap to fourth-bottom Stevenage.

The Holker Street club, who have so far won five of their 27 league games since returning to the Football League after a 48-year absence, are next in action at Oldham on Tuesday.

The second Cumbrian derby of the season, at home to Carlisle, comes on April 10. United won October's meeting at Brunton Park 1-0 thanks to a Jon Mellish goal.