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Luke James Signs New Barrow Contract

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Matt Dodd Barrow front man Luke James

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Luke James has committed his future to The Bluebirds by putting pen to paper on a new contract which will keep him at The Dunes Hotel Stadium until the summer of 2023.

The hard-working front man joined Barrow on a permanent deal in July 2020, returning to the Club where he enjoyed a hugely successful loan stint at the end of the 2017/18 campaign.

James played a huge role as The Bluebirds drove clear trouble at the base of the National League table, scoring seven goals, including crucial winners at Maidstone and Maidenhead.

He turned down the offer of a new deal at Hartlepool United in the summer of 2020 in order to clinch a return to Cumbria and he’s gone on to make over 60 appearances in the last two seasons.

James, famed for his constant running and harassing of opposition defenders, has been in good form in recent weeks for Mark Cooper’s men and was one of the standout performers during the impressive midweek win at Northampton Town.

“Luke had a bit of a disjoined start to the season when he was unavailable for a stretch of games and, every time he came back, he seemed to get a little niggle,” Cooper told us.

“But he’s back fit now and he’s a valued member of our squad because he absolutely works his socks off for the team.

“I think everyone has seen in his performances recently what he brings to us, so we’re pleased to get the deal done to keep him.

“He’s a great pro. He gets on great with the lads and, as a manager, you don’t have to worry about him for a second or be concerned about what he’s doing when he’s away from the Club.

“You know he’s going to look after himself and you can’t have too many lads like that around the place, so it’s brilliant that he’s going to be staying with us.”

No doubt Luke James works hard but we don't play to his strengths sometimes he's never going to be a prolific goalscorer at this level but play him deep behind say a front two and then we will see his worth to the squad!

Nice one luke

Hardest working lad I’ve seen

I have always been a Luke James fan. He is criticised by some for not scoring goals, but think of him not as a 'striker' but as a 'forward'. He harasses defenders and makes chances for other people with his tenacity, plus his movement off the ball gives the defence an outlet.

Jim wrote: ↑Sat Feb 05, 2022 12:20 pm I have always been a Luke James fan. He is criticised by some for not scoring goals, but think of him not as a 'striker' but as a 'forward'. He harasses defenders and makes chances for other people with his tenacity, plus his movement off the ball gives the defence an outlet.

Exactly that. The manager obviously values him as a squad member.

So we have both luke james and josh gordon on the books next year neither score goals. Doesnt appear we are learning from our mistakes of this season..

the ray wilkie stand wrote: ↑Sat Feb 05, 2022 1:05 pm So we have both luke james and josh gordon on the books next year neither score goals. Doesnt appear we are learning from our mistakes of this season..

Or it ( For Balance ) could be the opposite, Coops understands that having a few forward players who can hurry & harass the back line & chase everything creates space for the goal scorers he has in mind to bring in?

It’s a possibility.

the ray wilkie stand wrote: ↑Sat Feb 05, 2022 1:05 pm So we have both luke james and josh gordon on the books next year neither score goals. Doesnt appear we are learning from our mistakes of this season..

Gordon has been one of our best players this season.

Agree regarding Josh Gordon him and Banks and Brough been our stand outs until his injury. Luke James dependable as ever, never stops working and chips in more often than not with what prove to be valuable goals. Can understand why any coach or manager would want him in their squad.

I think he was unfortunate early on with personal problems and injuries Luke James but he'll always be a likable player, not least for his goals saving us from relegation to National North back in 2017!
His effort and workrate was never in doubt but you need more than that, today I thought he battled well but showed some good touches too and a lot more awareness, impacted the game more than just with workrate and pressing. He can be a clever player too will never be prolific but worth having in the squad.

Some turnaround when probably a month or so ago I'd have expected him to be heading out on loan or permanently. Just shows how quickly things can change in football...

Underrated and well liked by past and present managers and players who value immensely his contribution to the club on and off the field

Worth the new deal IMO. Good player to have in the squad.

Ide have thought cooper could find better by start of next season. He doesn't score goals, which is a major problem with our forwards.

Seems a nice enough lad, runs around a lot, but fails in the main reason of being a forward player. He doesn't score goals
Must be someone out there who can score at least 5 a season, which James won't do.

Do we want nice lads who work hard but dont score and we are embroiled in a relegation scrap season after season or do we want to be a bit more ambitious and look elsewhere for goalscorers who could put us in the mix for the top half and maybe more?