Pitchero Non League

Phil Bolland

The 35-year-old centre half was one of five out-of-contract players released by the Bluebirds last Friday.

Veteran Bolland, who made 121 appearances for Barrow during three seasons at the club, said: “You are always a bit down, a bit fed up when you get news like that, but when you get to 35 years of age you realise these things happen.

“The main thing was I didn’t really expect it. So, when it comes a bit unexpectedly you are a little bit lost. I’m just getting over it now, sorting myself out and getting my life together.

“I always had a thought in the back of my mind that when you get to a certain age you might not be kept on. A little conversation we had might have pointed towards me staying for a little bit longer, but it wasn’t to be. These things have happened enough times in football, and when you get to my age you just have to roll with it and get on with it.”

During his time at Furness Building Society Stadium the defender helped the Bluebirds win the FA Trophy at Wembley in 2009/10 – a moment he regards as his proudest in a Barrow shirt.

Bolland was also entrusted with the club captain’s armband on a full-time basis following the release of centre half partner Paul Jones at the end of the 2010/11 campaign.

He said: “I leave on good terms, definitely. I’ve made no secret, I have loved my time at Barrow.

“I had opportunities to leave in the past and always stayed. It’s one of those clubs you just enjoy playing for.

“The FA Trophy final win at Wembley was brilliant. Barrow gave me that opportunity to play at Wembley again – 12 months after I was sent off there when at Cambridge United – so I can’t complain. I will take a win at Wembley any day, over anything.

“Captaining the club was also fantastic. I loved it.

“I’m not a captain who shouts and screams but I did a lot in regards of giving the younger lads lots of advice. I feel like I helped out as much as I could and was a positive influence. I always tried to lead by example.”

A qualified physio, Bolland, who recently became a dad for the third time, has a new therapy clinic on Merseyside and also works with the Liverpool academy side.

And while fatherhood and work interests take up plenty of his time, the experienced defender is in no rush to hang up his playing boots just yet.

He said: “I want to play as long as I can. Once you finish you have to find other things to do on a Saturday afternoon – and I’m not really ready to go shopping with the missus yet!

“I’ve spoken to four or five people at other clubs but when you get to my age it’s got to be right.

“I have got decide whether I want to play part-time or full-time. I’m going to leave it, probably till the end of the month, and see what happens. You never know what is round the corner.”

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