Carlisle United's fellow Cumbrian League Two side Barrow have confirmed Mark Cooper as their new manager.

The former Forest Green Rovers boss has today been unveiled by the Bluebirds on a three-year deal.

Cooper has arrived at Holker Street as successor to Rob Kelly, with Richard Dryden also joining as his assistant manager.

It marks a quick return to management for 52-year-old Cooper after his dismissal from Forest Green in April after nearly five years in charge.

Barrow believe the experienced former Swindon and Peterborough man can lead them to success in the 2021/22 season.

Chairman Paul Hornby said: "Mark was an easy appointment, at the end of the day - he's been there and done it, has 700 games in management, and has got promotions and has got teams to the play-offs.

"When you meet him, you can see that he's a winner. He's confident and he likes his teams to play football, which our supporters like.

"We did get a good calibre of applicants, but as soon as we saw Mark, it was clear he was by far the strongest."

Cooper said he was "excited" to land the job.

He added: "It's really nice when people go out of their way to get you to come to the football club, which is what Paul and Tony [Shearer] did.

"They made it clear that they really wanted me to come and pick up the baton here at Barrow and try and take it forwards.

"Their outlook and vision of what they want to achieve really appealed to me."

His appointment comes just two weeks after former interim boss Kelly, who steered Barrow to League Two safety last season, informed the board that he did not want to be considered for the permanent post.

Kelly had stepped up after the short-lived reigns of previous bosses Michael Jolley and David Dunn, following Ian Evatt's departure to Bolton last summer.