SOUTHEND United's relegtion rivals Barrow have appointed Michael Jolley as their new manager.

The 43-year-old, who applied to be Blues boss in the summer, left Grimsby Town in November 2019 after almost two years in charge at Blundell Park.

But Jolley has now taken charge of Barrow, who are 22nd in the League Two standings, three points above the Shrimpers.

And Barrow chairman Paul Hornby is pleased to have brought Jolley to the club on a deal which expires in 2023.

"The calibre of the candidates was extremely high but Michael impressed us during two rigorous interviews," said Hornby.

"He also comes with a number of excellent references from people within football and, therefore, it was a unanimous decision by all the owners that he was the man for the job."