Barrow boss Paul Cox set for Hartlepool United

There are conflicting reports today surrounding the future of the Barrow manager, whose odds of becoming the next Pools boss have tumbled to 1-6.

A report in the North-West Evening Mail has quoted a Barrow AFC official saying there have been no approaches from the Northern Gas & Power Stadium, while Sky Sports have just said that the Bluebirds have given Cox permission to speak to Pools.

Clear as mud then.

However, the fact the odds have shortened dramatically suggest that money has been placed on the 45-year-old following information from inside sources.

Cox led Barrow to seventh in the National League this season, having led Mansfield to the NL title previously.

The Nottingham-born former Halifax and Notts Co midfielder still has two seasons of a three-year deal to run at Holker Street and the Cumbrian club would demand compensation before releasing him from his contract.