Ross Barrows

Scunthorpe United secured the signing of defender Ross Barrows ahead of the 2023-24 season following his departure from National League side Altrincham.

The attacking right-back returned to the club where he began his footballing journey, having spent six years in the Iron's academy system between the ages of nine and 15. Following his departure from Scunthorpe, Barrows developed into one of the National League's most consistent full-backs through a successful career across the non-league pyramid.

Born in Sheffield, Barrows joined FC Halifax Town and progressed through the club's youth ranks before earning a professional contract. During his time at The Shay, he gained valuable senior experience through loan spells with Frickley Athletic and North Ferriby, enjoying a particularly productive spell with Frickley where he scored four goals in seven appearances.

Subsequent spells with Grantham Town and King's Lynn Town followed, with Barrows playing an important role in King's Lynn's promotion from National League North to the National League. During the club's time at Step One, he made 58 appearances and scored four goals before joining Altrincham in 2022.

An injury curtailed much of his first season at Scunthorpe United, leading to loan spells with Ilkeston Town and a return to King's Lynn Town during the 2023-24 campaign as he worked his way back to full fitness.

Following the departure of Reagan Ogle in the summer of 2024, Barrows seized his opportunity to establish himself as the Iron's first-choice right-back. His energy, attacking intent and defensive reliability made him a key component of Andy Butler's side during first half of the club's promotion-winning 2024-25 campaign, unfortunately suffering a season-ending injury on New Year’s Eve against his former Linnets side which would rule him out until the following December.

Despite injury, Barrows was given a six-month contract to regain full fitness and returned at the end of 2025, earning an extension until the end of the season and playing a key part in the side’s progression to the end of season play-offs. He was rewarded with a new contract by Andy Butler in the summer of 2026, extending his stay at the club for a further year.

Away from football, Barrows is a qualified coach and runs his own coaching business, demonstrating his passion for developing the next generation of players while continuing his own successful playing career.