PHIL Brown was bitterly disappointed Barrow ended the season with defeat — but hopes to be at the club next season.

Brown secured the Bluebirds’ Football League status after replacing Mark Cooper.

Sam Hoskins’ brace, either side of Fraser Horsfall’s opener, had seemingly got Northampton promoted. But Josh Kay pulled one back before Bristol Rovers’ second-half blitz saw the crushed Cobblers finish fourth.

To make matters worse Liam Roberts was sent off in stoppage time for the visitors.

“It was disappointing to say the least,” groaned Brown. “In the first half it was almost as if we were devoid of any ideas.

“It was almost like we had lead boots on in the first half. It was like we hadn’t played together before.

“I gave them an absolute tongue lashing at half time because I was frustrated with what I saw. It was too far off the mark, it was under par.”

Chairman Paul Hornby revealed talks over a permanent contract are “close” in a pre-match interview.

And when asked to assess how his time at the club had gone, Brown said: “I made a difference. I made an impact with how the players approach games, made a difference with their fitness levels.

“We got the business done early. We thought probably 45 or 46 points would get it done.

“Oldham did us a favour by not winning games of football. At the same time I have to say every player has committed to everything we’ve tried to do at the club.

“Consequently the rewards are for me and Neil McDonald to be here next season.

“We haven’t got that over the line yet. Would we like to be here next year? Absolutely. I’ve really enjoyed my time here to tell you the truth.

“The support I’ve received from the fans, players and directors has been nothing short of brilliant.

“It’s almost an agreement in principle from negotiations which went on into the late hours Friday night.”

Veteran Brown has experienced plenty of highs and lows during his esteemed managerial career.

He led Hull to the Premier League in only his second post since retiring as a player. Brown also achieved League Two promotion with Southend as well as a relegations with them and Preston.

And he felt for opposing number Jon Brady after their final-day heartache.

“All of a sudden you have a jeer in the crowd and you realise Northampton need another goal because of the scoreline at Bristol Rovers,” reflected Brown.

“It beggars belief. At this moment I can’t help but feel for that manager getting on the coach.

“I wish them all the best at the play-offs. It just didn’t feel right; 7-0. Northampton have missed out because of that scoreline.

“Everyone says you’re responsible for what happens on the last day, but they done their business. Football is just an unbelievable sport.”