Following Barrow’s shock decision to part with manager Pete Wild speculation has already started as to a possible replacement.
Wild, who had taken the Bluebirds from near relegation candidates to solid 9th and 8th finishes in League Two, was dispensed with after an end-of-season review which seemed to suggest there was a difference of opinion over the way forward.
The 34-year-old worked under Michael Beale on his coaching staff at Rangers, having previously worked together at QPR.
Watling is highly regarded in coaching circles having also worked in the Chelsea and West Ham academy.
He has been out of work since parting ways with Rangers but is now looking to get his foot on the managerial ladder.
A young, talented coach with no managerial experience is exactly what a club wishing to hand more control to a director of football, would be looking for.
