Frank Barlow

Frank Charles Barlow (born 15 October 1946) is an English former footballer who moved into coaching and club management since retiring from playing. Born in Mexborough, England, he spent the bulk of his playing career at Sheffield United before moving to Chesterfield for a spell.

After retiring from playing he moved into management and coaching, managing Chesterfield and Scunthorpe United before having spells as caretaker manager with both Nottingham Forest and Wigan Athletic. He is without a club after leaving his post of assistant manager at Sheffield United in April 2013.

Playing career

Sheffield United Barlow was a defensive midfielder who started his football career with Sheffield United after being spotted playing for Don and Dearne Schoolboys during which time he had captained the England Schoolboys team. After signing professional terms in 1965 at the age of 19 he was to remain at Bramall Lane for seven years but never cemented his place in the first team during his tenure. Seen more as a squad player available to fill in when other teammates were unavailable it was only during the 1969–70 season that he played regularly in the Football League. Despite this he went on to make over 120 appearances for the Blades during his seven-year stay.

Bradford City Following his departure from The KC Stadium Barlow moved to Bradford City as assistant to caretaker manager David Wetherall.

Wigan Athletic In June 2007 Wigan Athletic appointed Barlow as the assistant manager to Chris Hutchings. Barlow, now 60, was taken on for his vast experience in the game, as Hutchings enthused "I need someone I can trust implicitly when it comes to football knowledge, you can't get more experience than he's got, he knows players inside-out." After Hutchings was sacked in November 2007, Barlow was named as Wigan's caretaker manager. When Steve Bruce was appointed the club's new manager and with Eric Black brought across from Birmingham City assuming the role of assistant manager, Barlow was appointed to the position of first-team coach.

Sheffield United In June 2011, Barlow returned to his first club Sheffield United to become assistant manager, working under Danny Wilson. The pair guided the Blades to the League One play-off final in their first season in charge, only to see their side beaten by Huddersfield Town on penalties. United again challenged for promotion the following season, but a poor run of results after Christmas saw Barlow and Wilson sacked in April 2013.

Honours League One Manager of the Month: March 2006