League Two side Barrow are engaged in discussions with a British celebrity based in the United States regarding a possible investment in the club, chairman Paul Hornby has revealed.
Speaking to BBC Radio Cumbria, Hornby confirmed that talks with the high-profile individual are part of a broader effort to bring fresh external funding into the club. However, while the discussions remain ongoing, progress has been hindered by recent challenges on the pitch.
“It’s parked at the moment but I’m still in dialogue with that person’s agent,” he said.
“It’s a British celebrity and it would give us exposure in the US and other parts of the world where this guy has links.”
Investment talks stalled by Barrow’s dip in form
Since returning to the English Football League in 2020 after nearly five decades in non-league football, Barrow have continued to grapple with the financial demands of maintaining their League Two status.
Currently sitting 16th in the table, the club has struggled to build momentum, with post-Christmas form significantly slowing down potential investment deals.
Hornby acknowledged that Barrow’s recent slump played a key role in delaying talks, particularly as the club became preoccupied with changes in both the squad and coaching staff.
A busy January transfer window saw several changes, followed by the decision to part ways with head coach Stephen Clemence, ultimately replacing him with Andy Whing.
“I got quite involved in the conversations,” Hornby admitted. “But they had things going on and it coincided with our tumbling down the league.
“And at that point in time, every focus is just on the playing side, the manager and supporting the sporting director.”
Financial challenges remain despite investment hopes
Despite the setback, Hornby remains open to the possibility of securing additional investment to ease the financial pressures facing the club.
He acknowledged that the club is in discussions with multiple potential investors, although he tempered expectations by emphasising the difficulty of securing sustainable funding.
“It is something that will keep bubbling away, but I’m not going to make any promises on it,” he said.
“Apart from this person, we’ve been speaking to a few people over the last few years because the way it’s going, we are getting squeezed.
“You can’t just keep throwing money at it, because the money isn’t there to throw at it.”
Writer’s View
Barrow’s approach to securing fresh investment underlines the wider financial reality of lower-league football. With limited resources and increasing costs, clubs at this level must look for creative solutions to remain competitive. While a high-profile backer could provide a major boost, such deals often take time to materialise.
