Lewis Hardcastle

Barrow On 8 February 2019, he joined National League side Barrow on an initial one-month youth loan. The deal was made into a permanent move on 28 March after he impressed "Bluebirds" boss Ian Evatt with his dynamism and bravery in midfield; he signed a contract to run until summer 2020. He scored three goals in 41 appearances in the 2019–20 season, which was permanently suspended on 26 March due to the COVID-19 pandemic in England, with Barrow top of the table. Though the season was not resumed, Barrow went on to be promoted to the Football League as National League champions.

On 24 March 2021, Hardcastle announced his retirement from football at the age of 22 after being diagnosed with a heart problem (arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy). An Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was fitted to his heart to keep him alive.

International career Hardcastle was called up to England C team for their friendly fixture against Wales C on 24 March 2020. The match was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in England.

Style of play Hardcastle played as a box-to-box midfielder.

Coaching career In February 2022, Hardcastle was announced to be the new head coach of NWCFL Division One North club Daisy Hill.

Career statistics

Honours Blackburn Rovers U23 Premier League Cup runner-up: 2015 Premier League 2 Division 2: 2017–18

Barrow National League: 2019–20