With the coronavirus pandemic putting an end to the National League, Barrow will be promoted as the Bluebirds sit four points clear at the top of the table.

With the club's controversial departure from the Football League in 1972, their ascension back into the place they were voted out of nearly a half century earlier is a welcome addition to the EFL. As Barrow look towards their return, here's a look at the 

Who are Barrow?

Located in Barrow-in-Furness, the Bluebirds were founded in 1901. They first attained Football League status in 1921, staying there for the next 51 years until controversially being voted out in 1972 through the old re-election system in favor of Hereford United.

In their time in the Conference, the Cumbrians have bounced between the top two divisions, achieving promotion to the top tier a record five times, most recently in 2014-2015. Winners of the FA Trophy twice (1989-90 and 2009-10), the best finish prior to this shortened season was eighth in the 1981-82 campaign.

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Who is Barrow's manager?

The man in charge of the Cumbrians rise back to the Football League is Ian Evatt. The 38-year old made 534 appearances over a distinguished 19-year career, most notably with Blackpool during their lone season in the Premier League in 2010-11.

Appointed caretaker manager of Chesterfield at the end of the 2017-18 season, Evatt was named the full-time manager of Barrow less than two months later. A tenth-place finish in his first season in charge was followed by this apparent title-winning campaign.

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Who are Barrow's best players?

Having scored the most goals in the National League (68) and conceding the third-fewest (39), the Bluebirds are a well-rounded squad. Scott Quigley is the division's leading scorer with 20 goals while John Rooney, brother of Everton's Wayne Rooney, is joint second, having found the back of the net 18 times. The Bluebirds have kept 16 clean sheets with first-choice goalkeeper Joel Dixon having recorded 15 of those.

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Can they adjust to League Two standards?

Evatt's style has led many to dub his side "Barrowcelona" in reference to the way  La Liga giants Barcelona play. A free-flowing attack, a rock-solid defense coupled with the most wins as well as the best goal difference and it's easy to see why the Bluebirds were promoted.

The key will be to see how Evatt and his side adjust to life in League Two. If they can execute their style in the fourth tier the same way they did in winning the National League, they will stay up comfortably. Their location at the end of the longest cul-de-sac in the world gives them a significant advantage at their home ground of Holker Street.

No matter how the 2020-21 season goes, many would agree that seeing Barrow back in the Football League after a half century away amid controversial circumstances is only right and the fourth division is better with them in it.

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