Black becomes a new Barrow boy

RYAN-ZICO BLACK has left Lancaster City FC before the club goes to the wall. The 25-year-old Guernsey-born-and- bred midfielder has left the Nationwide Conference North side to join rivals Barrow. The former Northern Ireland under-18 player leaves a club in turmoil with mounting debts and teetering on the edge of financial ruin.

'Basically they are looking likely to go into administration,' said Black.

'There are a lot of financial difficulties. Basically the whole of the first team aren't there any more and they are just playing some young lads to try and see out the season.

'There's no money there.'

Black has had a rollercoaster ride over the last few seasons. He started his professional career at Morecambe and became a regular at the Shrimps before falling out of favour to join Northwich Victoria at the start of the 2003/4 season.

This move lasted a couple of months before he returned back to Morecambe where he stayed for the season until a summer transfer to Lancaster. In November 2005 he became Paul Gascoigne's first high-profile signing during Gazza's short spell as boss of Kettering Town.

However in July this year he returned to Lancaster. At a shareholders' meeting last Monday, Charlie Moore was removed as their chairman after a vote of no confidence.

And this Thursday the future of the club will be decided when new chairman Mick Hoyle holds talks with the club's accountants and solicitors as well as FA officials. Lancaster terminated Black's contract but he is glad to be leaving the 'Dolly Blues' to join his old manager, Phil Wilson, at Barrow.

He featured for his new team in their 1-1 draw at home with Hucknall on Saturday. Playing in an attacking role, Black made a good impression on his debut.

Barrow are currently sat in 19th spot in the league.

'It's a decent club and Phil is a good manager,' said Black.

'He managed me before at Lancaster, two years ago. They are a good bunch of lads and there are some good players.'

n TWO goals from Jon Loaring and another from James Mullen were enough for North to beat Bels 3-2 at Northfield last night and keep the home side on track for the C&W Youth One title.

In the same league at the Corbet Field, Sylvans beat Vale Rec 2-1.