Last updated 14:48, Saturday, 06 September 2008

DEFIANT Dave Clark can’t wait for the chance to prove the ‘knockers’ wrong in National League One next season.

The rookie coach, who has just guided Raiders to promotion in his first season, is relishing the massive challenge ahead.

Clark, who also won promotion at Craven Park as a player in 2004, received criticism as his side eventually stumbled over the finishing line in second place after winning their first 13 second division games.

Some fans are claiming the club needs a more experienced coach for the step up in grade.

However, Clark – who was given a two-year contract by Barrow RL at the start of last season – says he has the full backing of chief executive Des Johnston to carry on the job.

He told the Evening Mail: “There was more pressure on delivering promotion this year. The players deserve recognition and now we can look forward to a new challenge and goals.

“The local players showed what they were capable of against the likes of Widnes, Leigh and Batley and it is something to build on.

“But we know we need more depth and experience in the squad and for performances to improve.

“I’m under no illusion that it’s a massive jump up.”

Clark said that, as coach, he expected to get criticised whatever he did.

He adds: “There were alot of knockers around last season but I pulled inspiration from the negativity.

“I can’t wait to get going again in the new campaign and I’m optimistic we’ll prove a few people wrong.”

Clark recalls how previous promotion-winning coach Peter Roe went into the 2005 Division One campaign with a limited squad.

He adds: “When we went up Peter just didn’t have the finances to get the players he needed. If he had had Des Johnston’s backing then Peter would probably still be Barrow coach.”

Clark himself put his battered body on the line throughout 2005 until the coach pulled him from the fray near the end of the campaign.

And in strangely prophetic words Roe said: “Dave Clark owes Barrow nothing. It is time for him to concentrate on the second half of his career which is coaching.”

l Clark has given a full interview to this month’s Rugby League World, which has also chosen 35-try winger James Nixon, half-back Darren Holt and second rower Martin Ostler in the NL2 team of the month.