We're kicking off our brand new feature today by introducing you to Barrow supporter, Jason Zaccarini.
Throughout the summer, we’re putting Bluebirds fans centre-stage here on the Official Website by publishing the results from our online questionnaire – click here if you’d like to take part.
First into the spotlight is Jason Zaccarini, a Build Manager at shipyard, who attends Barrow games in the Holker End alongside his children.
Who did we play in your first Barrow game and what are your memories of the day?
I think it was an Alliance Premier League game in 1979 at Holker Street against Wealdstone. I remember being stood on the Popular side with my uncle, not a very big crowd, terraces sparsely populated. That’s probably my earliest memory.
Which Barrow match that you’ve seen stands out more than most and why?
The match that stands out the most for me was the second replay of the FA trophy semi-final versus Enfield at Stafford Rangers’ ground. We had been cruelly robbed of a Wembley final with an equalising deflected goal from Paul Furlong in the previous replay at Kidderminster, and then we were again on the road to Stafford midweek (Tuesday I think).
I remember leaving work as an apprentice at the shipyard early, getting the coach down and joining the hundreds (may have been over a thousand) Barrow fans hoping to cheer the team on to Wembley.
It wasn’t to be, and my abiding memory was, with only a few minutes left, 1-0 down, Billy Gilmour having a diving header flash the wrong side of the post right in front of me and the massed travelling contingent. He looked right at me and the look on his face was devastating... and I personally have never felt such disappointment and gut-wrenching sickness at losing a game before or since. I could hardly walk or talk on way back such was the emotion at losing that epic semi-final, in the unluckiest of circumstances.
Who has been your favourite all-time Barrow player and why?
A tough one. Got to go for Colin Cowperthwaite. Tough, skilful, natural goal scorer, nightmare for defenders and never seemed to miss a game. Epitomised Barrow. A legend.
Who is your favourite current Barrow player and why?
I’d say Bradley Barry. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him have a bad game, when he plays well the team plays well. He’s consistent, very skilfull, attacking and in the National League was the best right-back by a country mile. The game against FC United the other season was the best I’ve seen from him.
Who do you think has been the most underrated Barrow player during your time watching and why?
Probably Steve Higgins from late eighties. Went about his job, no fuss, no headlines but he was absolutely solid and linked brilliantly with the attack. A quiet man, so he appeared to me, but what a fabulous footballer.
Which has been your favourite Barrow goal that you’ve seen live and why?
Think the Matt Henney goal versus Stalybridge in the 2008 Play-Off Final that got us promoted. Just the sheer importance of it and what it meant to the fans.
What is the favourite away ground you have visited and why?
Notts County to watch Barrow smash them in November 2019. A fantastic stadium where little old Barrow turned them over and went top of the National League.
What are your hopes for Barrow in the 2021/22 season?
Proper consolidation. I don’t think I could take another relegation battle so anything mid table or above. Being realistic, mid table... I’d be more than happy with that. And then push on the year after.